On Tycho's Island
Tycho Brahe and his Assistants, 1570–1601

This book explores Brahe's wide range of activities which encompass much more than his reputed role of astronomer.

John Robert Christianson (Author)

9780521101066, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 5 February 2009

464 pages, 70 b/w illus.
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.6 cm, 0.68 kg

' … it is likely to be seen as an authoritative treatment by an acknowledged expert on this material. It certainly deserves to be.' Studies in History and Philosophy of 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 Brahe's wide range of activities which encompass much more than his reputed role of astronomer. Christianson broadens this singular perspective by portraying Brahe as Platonic philosopher, Paracelsian chemist, Ovidian poet and devoted family man. From his private island in Denmark, Brahe used patronage, printing, friendship, and marriage to incorporate men and women skilled in science, technology and the fine arts into his programme of cosmic reform. This pioneering study includes capsule biographies of over 100 men and women, including Johannes Kepler, Willebrord Snel, Willem Blaeu, several bishops and numerous technical specialists, all of whom helped shape the culture of the Scientific Revolution. Under Tycho Brahe's leadership, their teamwork achieved breakthroughs in astronomy, scientific method and research organization that were essential to the birth of modern science.

Preface
Part I. On Tycho's Island: Introduction
1. In King Frederick's service (1575–1576)
2. Junker and peasants (1576–1581)
3. Among friends (1570–1576)
4. Founding the familia (1576–1584)
5. Breakthrough (1584–1587)
6. The problem of continuity (1580–1591)
7. The school of Europe (1591–1593)
8. Magdalene and calumny (1593–1597)
9. The Tempest (1597)
10. Epilogue: in search of Maecenas (1597–1601)
11. Legacy
Part II. Tycho Brahe's coworkers: Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: History of ideas [JFCX]