Search Results | Caltech Archives

Title: Galileo, diagram of the Copernican system from Dialogo...sopra i due Massimi Sistemi del Mondo, Tolemaico, e Copernicano (Dialogue concerning the Two Chief World Systems, the Ptolemaic and the Copernican), Florence, 1632
Format: photograph: negative
Date: 1632
Description: This is a diagram showing the ordering of the planets, moving out from the Sun. Galileo’s diagram is similar to that of Copernicus, except that Galileo has added the moons of Jupiter, which he discovered.

Title: Galileo, title page from Dialogo...sopra i due Massimi Sistemi del Mondo, Tolemaico, e Copernicano (Dialogue concerning the Two Chief World Systems, the Ptolemaic and the Copernican), Florence, 1632
Format: photograph: negative
Date: 1632
Description: Galileo’s intent with this book was to present the two world systems, the Ptolemaic and the Copernican, in easy to understand, dialogue form. His optimism concerning the acceptance of the Copernican system was misplaced; one year later he was brought to trial and forced to abjure his ideas.

Title: Galileo, portrait of three astronomers, frontispiece from Dialogo...sopra i due Massimi Sistemi del Mondo, Tolemaico, e Copernicano (Dialogue concerning the Two Chief World Systems, the Ptolemaic and the Copernican), Florence, 1632
Format: photograph: negative
Date: 1632
Description: The portrait by one of the ablest engravers of the time, Stephano Della Bella, depicts (left to right) Aristotle, Ptolemy and Copernicus earnestly discussing astronomical matters. The subject of their debate is represented by the armillary sphere which Ptolemy holds in his right hand, while Copernicus holds a representation of the new heliocentric system. An arrow, barely visible on the ground to the left of the publisher’s seal, points to Copernicus.