Description
This essay is about Tycho Brahe, a Danish astronomer who is considered to be one of the most important scientists of the sixteenth century. Tycho Brahe was a patron-practitioner of science, which means that he used his wealth and power to support and encourage scientific research. He was also a reformer, and he used his position to help change the way people thought about science and the universe. Tycho Brahe was a very important figure in the development of modern science, and his work has had a lasting impact on the field. This essay also includes capsule biographies of two dozen individuals who worked with or were influenced by Tycho Brahe. These biographies provide a detailed look at the people who were involved in the development of modern science, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of sixteenth-century science.
Tycho Brahe (1546-1601), the premier patron-practitioner of science in sixteenth-century Europe, established a new role of scientist as administrator, active reformer, and natural philosopher. This book explores his wide range of activities, which encompass much more than his reputed role of astronomer. Christianson broadens this singular perspective by portraying him as Platonic philosopher, Paracelsian chemist, Ovidian poet, and devoted family man. From his private island in Denmark, Tycho Brahe used patronage, printing, friendship, and marriage to incorporate men and women skilled in science, technology, and the fine arts into his program of cosmic reform. This pioneering study includes capsule biographies of two dozen individuals, including Johannes Kepler, Willebrord Snel, Willem Blaeu, several artists, two bishops, a rabbi, and various technical specialists, all of whom helped shape the culture of the Scientific Revolution. Under Tycho's leadership, their teamwork achieved breakthroughs in astronomy, scientific method, and research organization that were essential to the birth of modern science. John Robert Christianson is research professor of history at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he taught history for thirty years. In 1985, Christianson was awarded the Bronze Medal of the League of Finnish-American Societies and received the Alf Mjoen Prize in 1989. In 1995, he was dubbed Knight of the Royal Norweigian Order of Merit by King Harald II. Christianson is a former fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies and has held grants from the American Philosophical Society and the National Endowment of the Humanities, among others. He has traveled throughout Scandanavia and has written, edited, or translated several books about Scandanavia and Scandanavian-American topics, as well as articles in Scientific American, Isis, and other journals.
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