From Seattletimes · · 1m 30s
3 Books That Changed Our Universe
Sotheby's auction features Copernicus, Galileo and Newton's books that reshaped science.
In brief
Sotheby's auction features Copernicus, Galileo and Newton's books that reshaped science. Sotheby's auction of Copernicus, Galileo and Newton's books could raise up to $7 million, marking a reemergence of rare scientific texts after decades in private collections. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
The scientific revolution
The scientific revolution began between 1543 and 1687 with Copernicus, Galileo and Newton overturning Roman Catholic dogma.
Sotheby's exhibition
Sotheby's New York is auctioning landmark science books that have been in private collections for decades.
Copernicus' book
Copernicus' 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' was published in 1543 and contradicted Roman Catholic Church doctrine.
Galileo's book
Galileo's 'Sidereus Nuncius' used a telescope to discover lunar features and Jupiter's moons, challenging church doctrine.
Newton's book
Newton's 'Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica' explained gravity and celestial mechanics with mathematical precision.
Auction details
Sotheby's expects up to $7 million from the auction, with Copernicus' book having a $1 million opening bid.
Historical context
Church doctrine held Earth at the center of the universe until Copernicus, Galileo and Newton challenged this view.
Impact of discoveries
Copernicus' heliocentric model, Galileo's telescopic observations and Newton's laws reshaped astronomy and physics.
Auction significance
The auction highlights a reemergence of rare scientific texts after decades in private collections.
Historical consequences
Galileo was tried by the Roman Inquisition in 1633 for supporting heliocentrism, a key scientific revolution moment.
What matters most
Sotheby's auction of Copernicus, Galileo and Newton's books could raise up to $7 million, marking a reemergence of rare scientific texts after decades in private collections.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Merten-explainer-2024elections-MAIN.jpg)