Nicolaus Copernicus:
Kopernik, MikoNaj. Lat. Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543). Polish astronomer. Canon of cathedral of Frauenburg (1497); studied canon law, medicine in Italy; adviser and secretary to uncle, Lucas Waczenrode, bishop of Ermeland (1503-12). Made astronomical observations of orbits of sun, moon, planets (from 1497); gradually abandoned accepted Ptolemaic system of astronomy and worked out heliocentric system in which Earth rotates daily on axis and, with other planets, revolves around sun; circulated manuscript argument privately but was reluctant to publish theory; at urging of student Rhaeticus published at last De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (1543) explaining new system, which in winning acceptance in scientific world constituted a revolutionary step. |
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