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The First Month of Libri Delle Discipline Naturali: A Window into Early Modern Natural History

Anton Foster

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Published in Masunaga Shiatsu 1st Manuals: 1st Month (I Libri Delle Discipline Naturali)

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Masunaga Shiatsu 1st Manuals: 1st Month (I libri delle discipline naturali)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	10972 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	79 pages

Libri Delle Discipline Naturali (The Books of Natural Science) is a monumental compendium of natural history compiled by the Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi (1522-1605). The work was published in seven volumes between 1599 and 1668, and it represents one of the most ambitious and comprehensive attempts to catalog the natural world ever undertaken.

The first month of Libri Delle Discipline Naturali is devoted to the study of the heavens and the heavenly bodies. Aldrovandi begins by discussing the different theories of the universe that were current in his time. He then goes on to describe the planets, stars, and other celestial objects, including their movements and influences.

The Heavens and the Heavenly Bodies

Aldrovandi's discussion of the heavens and the heavenly bodies is heavily influenced by the writings of Aristotle and other ancient Greek philosophers. He accepts the Aristotelian view that the universe is a finite sphere, with the Earth at the center. The heavens are divided into a series of concentric spheres, each of which is made up of a different element. The outermost sphere is made of fire, followed by the spheres of air, water, and earth.

Aldrovandi also discusses the different theories of the movement of the heavenly bodies. He presents the Ptolemaic system, which was the dominant cosmological model in the Middle Ages, as well as the more recent Copernican system. He ultimately concludes that the Copernican system is more accurate, but he acknowledges that it is still a controversial theory.

The Planets and Stars

Aldrovandi provides detailed descriptions of each of the planets, including their size, shape, and color. He also discusses the different theories about their composition and their movements. He notes that the planets are all opaque bodies that reflect the light of the sun. He also discusses the different theories about the nature of the stars, including the possibility that they are inhabited by other beings.

Other Celestial Objects

In addition to the planets and stars, Aldrovandi also discusses a variety of other celestial objects, including comets, meteors, and rainbows. He provides detailed descriptions of each of these objects, and he discusses the different theories about their nature and their origins.

The first month of Libri Delle Discipline Naturali provides a valuable glimpse into the state of natural history in the early modern period. Aldrovandi's work is a comprehensive and authoritative account of the knowledge of the natural world that was available at the time. It is a valuable resource for scholars of the history of science, and it is also a fascinating read for anyone interested in the natural world.