This is the only detailed history of early astronomy available in English. Formerly published under the title History of the Planetary Systems from Thales to Kepler, it is recognised as a masterpiece of both historical insight and scientific accuracy.Beginning with the astronomical ideas of the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and pre-philosophic Greeks (Homer and Hesiod), it moves up through Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Xenophanes, Parmenides, Heraclitus, Empedocles, Democritus, and other early Greek cosmologists. The Pythagoreans are considered next, with their occasionally remarkable anticipations of modernity, and then Plato's astronomical thought. The enormously important system of concentric spheres for planets, usually associated with Eudoxus, is described in detail, followed by a discussion of Aristotle, Heraclides, and Aristarchus. The theory of epicycles - which held for almost 2,000 years - is then considered, with chapters on the dimensions of the world and the finished Ptolemaic system. Medieval European and Islamic cosmologies are then described in detail. Nicolas of Cusa, Regiomontanus, Calcagnini, and other transitional figures from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance are then followed by detailed chapters on Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, and Kepler. Standard reference on Greek astronomy and the Copernican revolution. - Sky and Telescope. A classical book in the field of the history of astronomy. - Philosophy and Science.
Product Identifiers
Publisher
Dover Publications Inc.
ISBN-13
9780486600796
eBay Product ID (ePID)
96724216
Product Key Features
Author
J.L.E. Dreyer
Publication Name
A History of Astronomy from Thales to Kepler
Format
Paperback
Language
English
Subject
Astronomy
Publication Year
2003
Type
Textbook
Number of Pages
438 Pages
Dimensions
Item Height
203mm
Item Width
135mm
Item Weight
447g
Additional Product Features
Title_Author
J.L.E. Dreyer
Series Title
Dover Books on Astronomy
Country/Region of Manufacture
United States
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