Senses and Hands to the Same Degree as Thought – Ole Rømer’s Mechanical Astronomy

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelfagfællebedømt

The astronomer Ole Rømer emphasized the mechanical nature of the practice of astronomy and this paper attempts to unravel what Rømer meant by the close association between mechanics and astronomy. The point of departure is Rømer's work with Tycho Brahe's observations and his stay at the Royal Academy of the Sciences in Paris. Analyses of Rømer's letters and treatises show that he not only focused on direct presentations of observations and instruments, but demanded an independence of his results that went beyond the rhetoric of first-hand knowledge. Rømer wanted his observations and instruments to demonstrate the physical theories themselves, rather than asking for theories to be accepted on his authority. His invention of the meridian circle with its facility for cross-checking measurements is seen in connection with this drive to make what is observed ‘deserve credit in its own right rather than because of the observer.’
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftCentaurus
Vol/bind54
Udgave nummer1
Sider (fra-til)78-103
Antal sider25
ISSN0008-8994
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2012

ID: 38270289