West Europe produced notable scientists at far higher per-capita rates than rest of world by 1400 AD. Islamic world peaked 1200-1300 then declined while West Europe sharply rose. Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Low Countries led early scientific talent surge. China produced 0.19 notable scientists per million per century 1000-1300 vs West Europe's 3.18. India produced only 0.05. Universities proliferated across West Europe from 1200s, absent elsewhere. West Europe adopted most technologies by 1500 AD ahead of Asia. Urbanization rates highest in West Europe by 1500 surpassing China and India. Book production per capita rose 50-100 fold in West Europe pre-printing press. Literacy and numeracy diverged with West Europe leading by 1400s. Interpersonal violence plummeted in Northwest Europe from 1400-1500. West European GDP per capita overtook China in 14th century. North Sea region including UK and Netherlands became richest by 1500s. Rise predates colonies proving development enabled colonization not vice versa. Historical tech adoption in 1500 predicts modern national wealth. Gregory Clark's model posits medieval rich outbreeding poor drove population quality gains.