Copernicus: Galileo and the Freedom of Thought The Mathematical Work of John Wallis, DD, FRS (1616–1703) Briefe Franz Xaver Freiherrn von Zach und seines Nachfolgers Bernhards von Lindenau von 1791–1816 an P Martin Alois David

Abstract

THERE may appear to be little to connect of these four works beyond the evidence they bear in common to a wider interest in the history of science. This is very welcome. Two of them bear witness further to the active encouragement now given by the University of London to the cultivation of the historical aspect of science. The object is admirable. But it cannot fail to be noticed that success in this line of research is exceedingly difficult of attainment. To the ordinary qualifications of a historian must be added a mature judgment of scientific values. Separately, these are not common qualities; in conjunction they must be rare indeed. Copernicus: the Founder of Modern Astronomy. By Angus Armitage. (History of Science Library.) Pp. 183. (London: George Allen and Unwin, Ltd., 1938.) 10s. net. Galileo and the Freedom of Thought By Dr. F. Sherwood Taylor. (Library of Science and Culture.) Pp. xv+212+5 plates. (London: Watts and Co., 1938.) 7s. 6d. net. The Mathematical Work of John Wallis, D.D., F.R.S. (1616–1703) By Dr. J. F. Scott. Pp. xi + 240. (London: Taylor and Francis, Ltd., 1938.) 12s. 6d. Briefe Franz Xaver Freiherrn von Zach und seines Nachfolgers Bernhards von Lindenau von 1791–1816 an P. Martin Alois David Herausgegeben von Otto Seydl. (Publikace PraA¾ske Statni Hvazdarny, C. 11.) Pp., 206. (Praha: Statni Hvazdarny Republiky Ceskoslovenske, 1938.) n.p.