HIS244H1 Lecture 9: Lecture 9-Feb 7.docx
Document Summary
Earth-centre of knowledge as well as centre of their universe. The line of inquiry of cosmology-lead to modern theory of physics. Astronomy innovative point because it was observatory no lab necessary. Born in 1473 in torun poland his father died when he was 10. Member of catholic clergy helped into that career by his uncle lucas watzenrode. In 1495-watsenrode got copernicus the position of canon-securing his financial burden-costed money for scientific inquiry-research. Trained as a physician also held a doctorate in canon law. Was exposed to astronomy and astrology in his studies and took a keen interest. Began to more seriously engage with cosmological ideas in the 1510 s. Tradition-accepted as fact by scholars and the catholic church. Traced back to aristotle the earth being the centre of the universe. The earth is at the centre of a series of larger spheres clear spheres-the closer ones include the sun moon and stars ptolemy s view<<
