TYCHO BRAHE’S

OF ASTRONOMY

RESTORED

INSTRUMENTS.

This title, Astronomia Instaurata Mechanica, refers to the "mechanics" or the physical tools and instruments created to support Brahe's "restored" or reformed vision of astronomy. The central engraving shows Tycho Brahe within an arch, surrounded by the coats of arms of his noble ancestors.

BRAHE BILLE
RUD ULFSTAND
LANGE RØNNOW
ROSENKRANTZ TROLLE
AXELSEN LANGE
MARKMAND ROSENSPARRE
KABBALE STORMVASE
GYLDENSTIERNE AXELSEN

NOT TO BE SEEMED
PORTRAIT OF TYCHO BRAHE, SON OF OTTE, A DANE,
LORD OF KNUDSTRUP AND FOUNDER OF THE CITADEL OF URANIBORG ON
THE ISLAND OF THE DANISH SOUND, HVEN,
AND THE INVENTOR AND BUILDER OF THE ASTRONOMICAL
INSTRUMENTS ARRANGED WITHIN THE SAME.
AT THE COMPLETION OF HIS 40TH YEAR, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 1586.
BUT TO BE.
The inserted phrases "Non Haberi... Sed Esse" are a variation of the Latin motto Esse quam videri, meaning "To be, rather than to seem." It emphasizes genuine character and achievement over mere appearance.

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