Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1854-07-24
Copernicus.

Nicholas Copernicus was born at Thorn
Prussia, in 1473. In early life he mani
tested decided taste for mathematics and
astronomy. He passed through a regular
course Of study in medicine and philosophy
but he left them for the pursuit of what
most pleased his taste. At the age Of
twenty-three he had the reputation Of 4
skllful observer of the heavens, and was
appointed professor in one Of the irlstitu
tions of bis country.
At that period it was the opinion of al
the philosophers, that the earth was the
center of the universe, and that the chan
ges of day, and the seasons was produced
/ by the revolutions of the planets around
it. Copernicus was not satisfied with these
ideas, and declared that the sun was the
center of the solar system, and that the
earth revolyed around it from west to east
He watched the motions of the planets
collected facts, and made all the possible
observations to substantiate his theory -
The results of his labors were the discovery
Of that system now universally taught, and
named in honor of him who first promul-
gated 1.-THE Cope rnican system.
He was martyr to science, as Others
have since been .Flao have dared to teach
theories cont tQ tbs generally received
opinions Of tl4eirage. The.following histo-
ry Of the last d:l Is q gope1nicus will give a
graphic idea of the pogsec utions he suffer
| ed.
1t was still clear night in the month Of
May, 1913: the stars shone brightly in the
heavens, and all slept in the little town Of
Warnica, canonary of Prussian Poland;
save one man who watched alone in sol
itary chamber, at the summit of a lofty
tower. The only furniture of thi, apart
ment consisted of table, few .boo,ys,and
an iron lamp. It's occupant was an Old man
of about seventy, bowed down by years and
toll, and his brow furrowed by anxious
thoughts; but his eye kindeled with the
fire Of genius, and his noble countenance
was expressive of gentle kindness, and Of q
calm, contemplative disposition.
This old man was the astronomer, Mich
olas Copernicus. He had just completed
his work, Con the revolutions of the heav
emily bodies" In the midst of poverty
ridicule and persecution, with no othel
support than that Of his own modest gent
us, or any instruction save triangle of wood
he had unveiled heaven to earth, and was
now approaching the term Of his career
| just as he had established on firm basis
those discoveries which were destined t.
change the whole fact of astronomical sci
ences.
On that very day he had received the
last proof-sheets of his book, which his dis
ciple, Rheticus, was getting printed al
Nuremburg; and before sending back those
/ final proofs, he wished to verify for the
last time the re suits of his discoveries
Heaven seemed to have sent him night
expressly fitted for the purpose, and he pas
sed the whole Of it in his observatory.
| When the astronomer saw the stars be-
ginning to pale in the eastern sky, be took
the triangular instrument which he had
constructed with his own hands, out of three
pieces of wood, and directed it successive
ly toward the four cardinal points Of the
horizon. No shadow of doubt remained
and overpowered by the conviction that he
had indeed destroyed an error of five thou
sand years duration, and was about to re-
veal in the world an. imperishable truth
| Copernitis knelt in the presence of that
glorious volume whose starry characters he
had first learned to decipfer, and folding his
attenuated hands across his bosom, thank
ed his Creator for having opened his eyes
to understand and read Alright His glori-
Gus works.
He then returned to the table, and,seiz-
ing pen, wrote on The titfe-page Of his
book, "Behold the greatest and the most
perfect artisan-the work of God himself"
And now, the first excitement having pas
sed away, he proceeded with collected
mind to write the dedication of his book J:
''To the most Holy Father, Pope Paul
Ill dedicate my work to your holiness,
in order that all the world, whether learn
ed or Ignorant may see that do not seek
to shun examination and the JUDGMENT Of
my superiors. Your authority, and your
love for science in general and for mathe-
MATES in particular, will serve to shield me
against wicked and malicious ISLANDERS, not
withstanding the proverb which says that
there is no remedy against the wounds in
fiicted by the tongue of calumny, DC.
NICHOLAS CoPERNIcUs."
Soon the first dawn of day caused the
lamp of the astronomer to burn more dim
ly: he leaned his forehead upon the table,
and, overcome with fatigue, sank into a
peaceful slumber. After sixty years Of la
Dor, he in truth needed repose. But his
present rest was not destined to be of long
duration. An aged servant, with slow
and heavy steps, astelided the tower stairs.
master" said he, as he gently touch
ed the sleeping astronomer upon the shout
der, 1.-The messenger who arrived yesterday
from Rheticus is ready to set out on his re-
turn, and is waiting for your proof-sheets
and letters"
Copernicus arose, made up the packet,
which he duly sealed, and then sank back
upon his chair, as if wearied by the effort.
'sBut that is not all" continued the SER
want; 'sthere are ten poor, sick people in
the house waiting for you; and besides you
are wanted at Frauenburg to look after the
water machine, which has stopped work
ing: and also to see the three workmen