Vilnius College was founded in 1570 and Vilnius University in 1579. The Faculty of Philosophy teaches Aristotle's physics, often called natural philosophy or natural science. Geological knowledge was also provided. In the 18th century, scientific works on natural philosophy appeared at Vilnius University, which also dealt with geology. The Department of Natural History was founded in 1781, with the aim of linking science with practice and economic needs. Expeditions were organised to study the resources of the region, and collections of minerals, rocks and fossils were made. The most successful and distinguished professors were Ž. E. Žiliberas