What major change did Newton's work contribute to in the field of science?

Newton's work significantly contributed to establishing the foundation for modern physics through his formulation of the laws of motion and universal gravitation. His seminal work, particularly in "Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica," introduced key principles that explained how objects move and interact in the universe. This represented a shift towards a more systematic and mathematical approach to understanding physical phenomena, laying the groundwork for future scientific inquiry and advancements in physics.

Additionally, Newton's emphasis on observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning became central to the scientific method, influencing generations of scientists to adopt these principles in their work. As a result, his contributions not only transformed the way we understand motion and gravity but also marked a transition from medieval scholarship which often relied on philosophical or theological explanations of natural phenomena to a more empirical and quantitative approach that characterizes modern science.