Nicholas Copernicus (Mikotaj Kopernik), 1473–1543

Abstract

THE work of Copernicus, whose centenary we have been commemorating, was not limited to astronomy, though to most people he is known only by his astronomical work. The publication under notice surveys briefly his activities. He possessed some artistic skill, and among his manuscript remains is one showing that he dabbled in poetry. This is a religious narrative poem, “Septem sidera”, describing the life of Christ up to the time of his converse with the teachers in the Temple. He obtained proficiency in languages also, and published a translation from Greek into Latin of the poems of Theophylactus Simocatta. His work on economics was of considerable importance, and it should be remembered that he formulated Gresham's Law, that bad money, if recognized as legal tender, will drive out good. He also showed the necessity for the ratio of value between gold and silver coins t'o depend on that between the metals. During the hostilities with the Teutonic Knights in 1521, when he was administrator of the capitulary estates at Olsztyn, he was the only one of the canons who remained at his post, and later the king rewarded him with the title of “Commissary of Warmia” for his work.

Nicholas Copernicus (Mikotaj Kopernik), 1473–1543

Prepared by Dr. Jozef Rudnicki. Translated from the Polish by B. W. A. Massey. Pp. viii + 53 + 25 plates. (London: Copernicus Quatercentenary Celebration Committee, 1943.) 10s. net.