Who were the renaissance scientists and how did each of them contribute to science?

There are several periods in history called "renaissance", and none of them had what we call science. They had philosophers, and they were usually priests. A bright young boy would be sent off to study for the priesthood so he would have a source of support while he did his investigations. Science was mostly invented by Antoine Levoisier and contemporaries, shortly after the American Revolution. You can still buy his book.
www.amazon.com/Elements-Chemistry-Dover-Books/dp/0486646246/