The year 1579 in science and technology included a number of events, some of which are listed here.
Exploration June 17 – Francis Drake, during his circumnavigation of the world, lands in what is now California, which he claims for Queen Elizabeth I of England as Nova Albion.
Physiology and medicine Hieronymus Fabricius discovers the membranous folds that serve as valves in the veins.
Births January 12 (bapt.) – Jan Baptist van Helmont, Flemish chemist (died 1644) July 13 – Arthur Dee, English physician and alchemist (died 1651)
Deaths June 17 – Johannes Stadius, Flemish mathematician and astronomer (born c. 1527) approx. date – Hans Staden, German adventurer (born c. 1525)
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