later than century , robert boyle , an irishman who settled in england to avoid the turmoil over colonization efforts there by english protestants , established modern chemistry as a full-fledged science , while in france , the philosopher and scientist ren descartes made significant headway in mathematics , as well as advancing the case for rationalismthe theory that opinions and actions should be based on reason and knowledge rather than on religious belief or emotions responsein scientific research ( frowned upon , naturally , by rome ) .