List of years in science (Table)
… 1598 • 1599 • 1600 • 1601 • 1602 • 1603 • 1604 •    1605 • 1606 • 1607 – 1608 – 1609 • 1610 • 1611 •    1612 • 1613 • 1614 • 1615 • 1616 • 1617 • 1618 …
Related time period or subjects
… 1605 • 1606 • 1607 – 1608 – 1609 • 1610 • 1611 … … 1570s • 1580s • 1590s – 1600s – 1610s • 1620s • 1630s … … 16th century – 17th century – 18th century …
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The year 1608 in science and technology involved some significant events.

Astronomy

• Hans Lippershey invents the refracting telescope.

Technology

• Binoculars are invented, when spectacle maker Hans Lippershey conjoins two telescopic tubes to view subjects from great distances.
• The flintlock muzzleloader is invented; unlike most weapon systems which only lasted a few decades, the flintlock has a longterm impact.
• The manufacture of alum is invented and successfully practised in England, under the patronage of King James, by Lord Sheffield.

Births

• January 28 - Giovanni Alfonso Borelli, Italian scientist (died 1679)
• October 15 - Evangelista Torricelli, Italian physicist and mathematician (died 1647)
• John Tradescant the younger, English botanist (died 1662)

Deaths

• John Dee, English alchemist, astrologer, and mathematician who contributed greatly to the revival of interest in mathematics in England (born 1527)