Nicolaus Copernicus
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Renaissance
- Categories: Science
- Subcategories: Scientists, Astronomy, Astronomers, Cosmology
- Curriculum: Renaissance History, Eastern European History
Article abstract: Copernicus discarded the Ptolemaic system and introduced the theory that the planets, including the earth, revolve around the sun. He defended the right of learned men to discuss scientific theories, even when they differ from currently accepted beliefs and contradict religious dogma.
Early Life
Nicolaus Copernicus’ family origins and the commercial interests of his hometown, Thorn (modern Toruń), reflect the dual claim which Germans and Poles alike have upon him. His father, Mikołaj (Nicolaus) Kopernik, was an immigrant from...
[The entire page is 2002 words long]
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