Forerunner of the Cosmographic Dissertations

...from the observations of Tycho Brahe Tycho Brahe (1546–1601) was a Danish astronomer whose exceptionally accurate data allowed Kepler to move beyond ancient theories., which are worthy of all trust, I was taught that no other way could be found to the perfection of Astronomy and the certainty of calculation; no other way to establish a science of this kind—whether we call it a metaphysics of the heavens or a celestial physics Kepler was a pioneer in "celestial physics," seeking to explain the physical forces, rather than just geometric patterns, that move the planets.—than that which was either expressly prescribed in this little book, or at least sketched out with a hesitant opinion and a rough wit original: "rudi Minerva," an idiom meaning a simple or unrefined approach. As witnesses to this, I present my Commentaries on Mars original: "commentaria Martis," published in 1609 as "Astronomia Nova" (The New Astronomy) published in the year 1609, and the commentaries on the motions of the other planets which I still keep at home; and here indeed the five books of the Harmonies of the World original: "Harmonices Mundi," 1619 made public in the year 1619, and the fourth book of the Epitome of Astronomy finished in the year 1620. As witnesses also are the great number of readers who, since they obtained the aforementioned works, have now for many years been demanding copies of this first little book of mine, which were sold out long ago, so that they might see the source from which so many derived theorems have flowed.

Therefore, when friends—not only booksellers but also those skilled in philosophy—urged me to prepare a second edition, I thought it my duty not to resist any longer. However, I did argue a little bit regarding the manner of the edition. For there were those who advised that I should correct, enlarge, and perfect the booklet; that I should observe the custom of other authors which they follow in refining their own books. To me, on the contrary, it seemed that the booklet could not be perfected unless I transcribed into it almost in their entirety most of my works which I have published over these twenty-five years. Nor was it now the time to publish some book under this title as if it were brand new, after others had already been released. Finally, because of its admirable success, the booklet itself should not be considered mine to change or enlarge at my own whim; rather, it is in the interest of the reader to understand from what beginnings my worldly contemplations were led to their current state. Therefore, with these reasons prevailing, I chose a form for the edition such as is usually observed in the reprinting of books by other authors: where we change nothing, but those places that need correction, explanation, or completion, we assist with commentaries written in a different typeface. This form served both my conscience original: "religioni," referring here to his scrupulousness or sense of duty to the historical record and brevity, so that I might frankly point out and strike out the errors that arose from the darkness of my own mind and were interspersed within the material concerning the most perfect works of God. Conversely, I could distinguish those chapters of the booklet which I had perceived clearly, with my mind’s eye turned toward that ineffable light of divine works, or where I had entered the right path but stopped too soon in my haste; and I could indicate to the reader in which other parts of my works I finally reached the goal.

So that I might leave the booklet untouched in this second edition, even regarding the dedication itself, so that the very entrance-hall might correspond to the rest of the little work: you see, I think, most Reverend, most Generous Nobles, that I could not have done otherwise than to address this edition also to those first patrons whom I spoke to in the following dedication—or if any from that time have [departed] from human affairs...