In the shadow of Kepler and Galileo
The author of the study begins by taking us to a trip in Prague: among its numerous wonders, the city has also important mathematical remainders. A first name to be mentioned is that of Bolzano -- who borrowed it to a lecture room in the Math. Dept. at the Charles University. Then, two important scientific personalities are being brought to our memory: Johannes Kepler and Tycho Brahe; the latter's famous laboratory of astronomy is mentioned, as well as his tomb in the Teynkirche -- placed in the very heart of old Prague. Less known specialists are then remembered, namely Solomon Delmedigo and David Gans. They both performed important studies in mathematics and astronomy (thus, Delmedigo had the chance to use Galileo's telescope in Padua). They both supported the Copernican Revolution, in spite of the dangerous reactions this could challenge. In the encyclopedic spirit of those times, Gans was also a cartographer and a historian, Delmedigo was also a geographer and a physician. They are both buried in the Jewish cemetery of Prague.
scientific article; zbMATH DE number 1210482
scientific article