...requires This sentence continues from the previous page, discussing why one should not seek physical "truth" in astronomical models. more logic, yet neither will comprehend or pass on anything certain unless it has been divinely revealed to him. Let us therefore permit these new hypotheses original: "hypotheses"; here meaning the underlying mathematical assumptions of the system. to become known alongside the old ones, which are no more probable—especially since these are both wonderful and easy to use, and bring with them a vast treasure of most learned observations. Nor should anyone expect anything certain from astronomy regarding its underlying assumptions, since the discipline itself cannot provide such a thing. Otherwise, if a student seizes as true those things fashioned for another purpose i.e., for the purpose of easier calculation rather than physical reality., he may depart from this discipline a greater fool than when he first approached it. Farewell.

NIKOLAUS VON SCHÖNBERG, CARDINAL

of Capua, to Nicolaus Copernicus, Greetings.

Decorative historiated initial 'C' containing a figure, possibly a scholar or clerical figure, seated at a desk or holding a book.

When reports of your talent had been brought to me by the constant talk of everyone some years ago, I began at that time to hold you in the highest regard and to congratulate our countrymen, among whom you flourished with such great glory. For I had learned that you were not only remarkably skilled in the discoveries of the ancient mathematicians, but that you had also established a new system of the world. In this system, you teach that the Earth moves; that the Sun occupies the lowest In the Aristotelian view, the center of the universe was considered the "lowest" point. and thus the central place of the universe; that the eighth heaven The sphere of the "fixed stars," which was the outermost boundary of the universe in traditional astronomy. remains motionless and fixed forever; and that the Moon, together with the elements original: "elementis"; referring to the four sublunary elements (earth, air, fire, water) which were thought to travel with the Earth. included in its sphere, situated between the heavens of Mars and Venus, revolves around the Sun in an annual course.

I also learned that you have composed commentaries on this entire system of astronomy and have compiled the motions of the wandering stars The planets. into tables calculated with great effort, to the universal admiration of all. Therefore, most learned man, unless I am a bother to you, I beg you again and again most earnestly that you communicate this discovery of yours to scholars, and that you send to me at the earliest possible time your late-night labors concerning the sphere of the world, together with the Tables and whatever else you have pertaining to this same subject.

I have, moreover, charged Theodoric of Reden to have everything transcribed there at my expense and sent to me. If you grant me this favor, you will understand that you have dealt with a man who is devoted to your name and eager to do justice to such great talent. Farewell.

At Rome, the Kalends of November, in the year 1536.