Galileo Galilei a brief biography of the Italian physicist, mechanic, astronomer, and philosopher is presented in this article.
Galileo Galilei biography briefly
Born on February 15, 1564 in the Italian city of Pisa in the family of a well-born but impoverished nobleman. From the age of 11 he was brought up in the Vallombrosa monastery. At the age of 17 he left the monastery and entered the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Pisa. He became a university professor and later headed the department of mathematics at the University of Padua, where over the course of 18 years he created a series of outstanding works on mathematics and mechanics.
He soon became the most famous lecturer at the university, and students lined up to attend his classes. It was at this time that he wrote the treatise “Mechanics”.
Galileo described his first discoveries with a telescope in his work “The Starry Messenger”. The book was a sensational success. He built a telescope that magnifies objects three times, placed it on the tower of San Marco in Venice, allowing everyone to look at the Moon and stars.
Following this, he invented a telescope that increased its power 11 times compared to the first. He described his observations in the work “Starry Messenger”.
In 1637, the scientist lost his sight. Until this time he had been hard at work on his latest book, Discourses and Mathematical Proofs Concerning Two New Branches of Science Relating to Mechanics and Local Motion. In this work he summarized all his observations and achievements in the field of mechanics.
Galileo's teaching about the structure of the world contradicted the Holy Scriptures, and the scientist was persecuted by the Inquisition for a long time. I promote the theories of Copernicus, he fell out of favor with the Catholic Church forever. He was captured by the Inquisition and, under threat of death at the stake, renounced his views. He was forever prohibited from writing or distributing his work in any way.
He receives a very good musical education. When he was ten years old, his family moved to his father's hometown of Florence, and then Galileo was sent to school in a Benedictine monastery. There, for four years, he studied the usual medieval disciplines with the scholastics.
Vincenzo Galilei chooses an honorable and profitable profession as a doctor for his son. In 1581, seventeen-year-old Galileo was enrolled as a student at the University of Piraeus in the Faculty of Medicine and Philosophy. But the state of medical science at that time filled him with dissatisfaction and pushed him away from a medical career. At that time, he happened to attend a lecture on mathematics by Ostillo Ricci, a friend of his family, and was amazed at the logic and beauty of Euclid's geometry.
He immediately studied the works of Euclid and Archimedes. His stay at the university becomes more and more unbearable. After spending four years there, Galileo left it shortly before completion and returned to Florence. There he continued his studies under the guidance of Ritchie, who appreciated the extraordinary abilities of the young Galileo. In addition to purely mathematical questions, he became acquainted with technical achievements. He studies ancient philosophers and modern writers and in a short time acquires the knowledge of a serious scientist.
Discoveries of Galileo Galilei
Law of motion of a pendulum
Studying in Pisa with his powers of observation and keen intelligence, he discovers the law of motion of the pendulum (the period depends only on the length, not on the amplitude or weight of the pendulum). Later he proposes the design of a device with a pendulum for measuring at regular intervals. In 1586, Galileo completed his first solo study of hydrostatic equilibrium and constructed a new type of hydrostatic balance. The following year he wrote a purely geometric work, Theorems of a Rigid Body.
Galileo's first treatises were not published, but quickly spread and came to the fore. In 1588, commissioned by the Florentine Academy, he gave two lectures on the form, position and extent of Dante's Hell. They are filled with mechanical theorems and numerous geometric proofs, and are used as a pretext for the development of geography and ideas for the whole world. In 1589, the Grand Duke of Tuscany appointed Galileo as professor in the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Pisa.
In Pisa, a young scientist again encounters educational medieval science. Galileo must learn the geocentric system of Ptolemy, which, along with the philosophy of Aristotle, adapted to the needs of the church, is accepted. He does not interact with his colleagues, argues with them, and initially doubts many of Aristotle's claims about physics.
The first scientific experiment in physics
According to him, the movement of the Earth's bodies is divided into "natural" when they tend to their "natural places" (for example, downward movement for heavy bodies and "upward" movement) and "violent" movement. The movement stops when the cause disappears. “Perfect celestial bodies” are eternal motion in perfect circles around the center of the Earth (and the center of the world). To refute Aristotle's assertions that bodies fall at a speed proportional to their weights, Galileo made his famous experiments with bodies falling from the leaning tower at Pisa.
This is actually the first scientific experiment in physics and with it Galileo introduces a new method of acquiring knowledge - from experience and observation. The result of these studies is the treatise “Falling Bodies,” which sets out the main conclusion about the independence of speed from the weight of a falling body. It is written in a new style for scientific literature - in the form of a dialogue, which reveals the main conclusion about the speed that does not depend on the weight of the falling body.
The lack of a scientific base and low pay force Galie to leave the University of Pisa before the expiration of his three-year contract. At that time, after his father died, he had to take over the family. Galileo is offered a position in the mathematics department at the University of Padua. The University of Padua was one of the oldest in Europe and was renowned for its spirit of freedom of thought and independence from the clergy. Here Galileo worked and quickly made a name for himself as an excellent physicist and a very good engineer. In 1593, his first two works were completed, as well as “Mechanics”, in which he outlined his views on the theory of simple machines, invented proportions with which it is easy to perform various geometric operations - enlarging a drawing, etc. His patents for hydraulic equipment also preserved.
Galileo's lectures at the university voiced official views, he taught geometry, Ptolemy's geocentric system and Aristotle's physics.
Introduction to the teachings of Copernicus
At the same time, at home, among friends and students, he talks about various problems and expounds his own new views. This duality of life Galileo is forced to lead for a long time until he becomes convinced of his ideas in the public space. It is believed that while still in Pisa, Galileo became acquainted with the teachings of Copernicus. In Padua he is already a convinced supporter of the heliocentric system and has as his main goal the collection of evidence in its favor. In a letter to Kepler in 1597 he wrote:
“Many years ago I turned to the ideas of Copernicus and with my theory I was able to completely explain a number of phenomena that generally could not be explained by opposing theories. I have come up with many arguments that refute opposing ideas."
Galilean pipe
At the end of 1608, news reaches Galilee that an optical device has been discovered in the Netherlands that allows one to see distant objects. Galileo, after hard work and processing hundreds of pieces of optical glass, built his first telescope with triple magnification. This is a system of lenses (eyepieces) now called a Galilean tube. His third telescope, with 32x magnification, looks at the sky.
Only after several months of observation, he published amazing discoveries in a book:
The Moon is not perfectly spherical and smooth, its surface is covered with hills and depressions similar to the Earth.
The Milky Way is a collection of numerous stars.
The planet Jupiter has four satellites that orbit around it like the Moon around the Earth.
Despite the fact that the book is allowed to be printed, this book actually contains a serious blow to Christian dogmas - the principle of the difference between “imperfect” earthly bodies and “perfect, eternal and unchangeable” celestial bodies is destroyed.
The motion of Jupiter's moons has been used as an argument for the Copernican system. Galileo's first bold astronomical achievements did not attract the attention of the Inquisition; on the contrary, they brought him enormous popularity and influence as a renowned scientist throughout Italy, including among the clergy.
In 1610, Galileo was appointed "first mathematician and philosopher" in the court of the ruler of Tuscany and his former student Cosimo II de' Medici. He leaves the University of Padua after 18 years of residence there and moves to Florence, where he is freed from any academic work and can concentrate only on his research.
The arguments in favor of the Copernican system were soon supplemented by the discovery of the phases of Venus, the observation of Saturn's rings and sunspots. He visited Rome, where he was greeted by the cardinals and the pope. Galileo hopes that the logical perfection and experimental justification of the new science will force the church to recognize this. In 1612, his important work “Reflections on Floating Bodies” was published. In it, he gives new evidence for Archimedes' law and opposes many aspects of scholastic philosophy, asserting the right of reason not to obey authorities. In 1613, he wrote a treatise on sunspots in Italian with great literary talent. At that time he also almost discovered the rotation of the Sun.
Ban on the teachings of Copernicus
Since the first attacks had already been made on Galileo and his students, he felt the need to speak and write his famous letter to Castelli. He proclaimed the independence of science from theology and the uselessness of Scripture in the research of scientists: “... in mathematical disputes, it seems to me that the Bible belongs to the last place.” But the spread of opinions about the heliocentric system seriously worried theologians and in March 1616, with a decree of the Holy Congregation, the teachings of Copernicus were prohibited.
For the entire active community of Copernicus supporters, many years of silence begin. But the system becomes obvious only when in 1610-1616. The main weapon against the geocentric system was astronomical discoveries. Now Galileo strikes at the very foundations of the old, unscientific worldview, affecting the deepest physical roots of the world. The struggle resumed with the appearance in 1624 of two works, including “Letter to Ingoli.” In this work, Galileo expounds the principle of relativity. The traditional argument against the Earth's motion is discussed, namely that if the Earth were rotating, a stone thrown from a tower would lag behind the Earth's surface.
Dialogue on the two main systems of the world – Ptolemy and Copernicus
In the following years, Galileo was immersed in work on a major book that reflected the results of his 30 years of research and reflection, the experience gained in applied mechanics and astronomy, and his general philosophical views on the world. In 1630, an extensive manuscript entitled “Dialogue on the two main systems of the world - Ptolemy and Copernicus” was completed.
The exposition of the book was structured in the form of a conversation between three people: Salviatti, a convinced supporter of Copernicus and the new philosophy; Sagredo, who is a wise man and agrees with all of Salviatti's arguments, but is initially neutral; and Simplicchio, a defender of the traditional Aristotelian concept. The names Salviatti and Sagredo were given to two of Galileo's friends, while Simplicio was named after Aristotle's famous 6th-century commentator Simplicius, meaning "simple" in Italian.
The dialogue provides insight into almost all of Galileo's scientific discoveries, as well as his understanding of nature and the possibilities of studying it. He takes a materialistic position; believes that the world exists independently of human consciousness and introduces new methods of research - observation, experiment, thought experiment and quantitative mathematical analysis instead of offensive reasoning and references to authority and dogma.
Galileo considers the world to be one and changeable, without dividing it into “eternal” and “variable” substance; denies absolute motion around a fixed center of the world: "May I reasonably ask you the question whether there is any center of the world at all, because neither you nor anyone else has proven that the world is finite and has a definite shape, and not infinite and unlimited." Galileo made great efforts to have his work published. He makes a number of compromises and writes to readers that he does not adhere to the teachings of Copernicus and provides a hypothetical possibility that is not true and should be rejected.
Ban on "Dialogue"
For two years he collected permission from the highest spiritual authorities and the censors of the Inquisition, and at the beginning of 1632 the book was published. But very soon there is a strong reaction from theologians. The Roman Pontiff was convinced that he was depicted under the image of Simplicio. A special commission of theologians was appointed, which declared the work heretical, and the seventy-year-old Galileo was summoned to trial in Rome. The process launched by the Inquisition against him lasts a year and a half and ends with a verdict according to which “Dialogue” is prohibited.
Renouncing your views
On June 22, 1633, in front of all the cardinals and members of the Inquisition, Galileo reads the text of his renunciation of his views. This event ostensibly signals the complete suppression of his resistance, but in reality it is the next big compromise he must make to continue his scientific work. The legendary phrase: “Eppur si muove” (and still it turns) is justified by his life and work after the trial. It is said that he uttered this phrase after his abdication, however, in fact, this fact is an artistic fiction of the 18th century.
Galileo is under house arrest near Florence, and, despite almost losing his sight, he is working hard on a new great work. The manuscript was smuggled out of Italy by her admirers, and in 1638 it was published in the Netherlands under the title Lectures and Mathematical Proofs of Two New Sciences.
Lectures and mathematical proofs of two new sciences
The lectures are the pinnacle of Galileo's work. They were written again as a conversation over six days between three interlocutors - Salviati, Sagredo and Simpliccio. As before, Salvati plays the leading role. Simplicio no longer argued, but asked questions only for more detailed explanations.
On the first, third and fourth days, the theory of the movement of falling and thrown bodies is revealed. The second day is devoted to the topic of materials and geometric balance. The fifth lecture gives mathematical theorems, and the last contains incomplete results and ideas about the theory of resistance. It has the least value among the six. Regarding material resistance, Galileo's work is pioneering in this field and plays an important role.
The most valuable results are contained in the first, third and fifth lectures. This is the highest point that Galileo reached in his understanding of motion. Considering the fall of bodies, he sums up:
"I think that if the resistance of the medium were completely removed, all bodies would fall at the same speed."
The theory of uniform rectilinear and equilibrium motion is further developed. The results of his numerous experiments on free fall, movement on an inclined plane and the movement of a body thrown at an angle to the horizon appear. The time dependence is clearly formulated and the parabolic trajectory is explored. Again, the principle of inertia is proven and used as fundamental in all considerations.
When the Lectures are published, Galileo is completely blind. But in the last years of his life he works. In 1636, he proposed a method for accurately determining longitude at sea using the satellites of Jupiter. His dream is to organize numerous astronomical observations from different points on the earth's surface. To this end, he negotiates with the Dutch commission to accept his method, but is refused and the church prohibits his further contacts. In his last letters to his followers, he continues to make important astronomical points.
Galileo Galilei died on January 8, 1642, surrounded by his students Viviani and Toricelli, his son and a representative of the Inquisition. Only 95 years later were his ashes allowed to be transported to Florence by the other two great sons of Italy, Michelangelo and Dante. His inventive scientific work, passing through the strict criteria of time, gives him immortality among the names of the brightest artists of physics and astronomy.
Galileo Galilei - biography of life and his discoveries
review 7 rating 4.4
One of the most famous astronomers, physicists and philosophers in human history is Galileo Galilei. A short biography and his discoveries, which you will now learn about, will allow you to get a general idea of this outstanding person.
First steps in the world of science
Galileo was born in Pisa (Italy), February 15, 1564. At the age of eighteen, the young man entered the University of Pisa to study medicine. His father pushed him to take this step, but due to lack of money, Galileo was soon forced to leave his studies. However, the time that the future scientist spent at the university was not in vain, because it was here that he began to take a keen interest in mathematics and physics. No longer a student, the gifted Galileo Galilei did not abandon his hobbies. A brief biography and his discoveries made during this period played an important role in the future fate of the scientist. He devotes some time to independent research into mechanics, and then returns to the University of Pisa, this time as a mathematics teacher. After some time, he was invited to continue teaching at the University of Padua, where he explained to students the basics of mechanics, geometry and astronomy. It was at this time that Galileo began to make discoveries significant for science.
In 1593, the first scientist was published - a book with the laconic title “Mechanics”, in which Galileo described his observations.
Astronomical research
After the book was published, a new Galileo Galilei was “born”. A short biography and his discoveries is a topic that cannot be discussed without mentioning the events of 1609. After all, it was then that Galileo independently built his first telescope with a concave eyepiece and a convex lens. The device gave an increase of approximately three times. However, Galileo did not stop there. Continuing to improve his telescope, he increased the magnification to 32 times. While using it to observe the Earth's satellite, the Moon, Galileo discovered that its surface, like the Earth's, was not flat, but covered with various mountains and numerous craters. Four stars were also discovered through the glass and changed their usual sizes, and for the first time the idea of their global remoteness arose. turned out to be a huge accumulation of millions of new celestial bodies. In addition, the scientist began to observe the movement of the Sun and make notes about sunspots.
Conflict with the Church
The biography of Galileo Galilei is another round in the confrontation between the science of that time and church teaching. The scientist, based on his observations, soon comes to the conclusion that the heliocentric one, first proposed and substantiated by Copernicus, is the only correct one. This was contrary to the literal understanding of Psalms 93 and 104, as well as Ecclesiastes 1:5, which refers to the immobility of the Earth. Galileo was summoned to Rome, where they demanded that he stop promoting “heretical” views, and the scientist was forced to comply.
However, Galileo Galilei, whose discoveries at that time were already appreciated by some representatives of the scientific community, did not stop there. In 1632, he made a cunning move - he published a book entitled “Dialogue on the two most important systems of the world - Ptolemaic and Copernican.” This work was written in an unusual form of dialogue at that time, the participants of which were two supporters of the Copernican theory, as well as one follower of the teachings of Ptolemy and Aristotle. Pope Urban VIII, a good friend of Galileo, even gave permission for the book to be published. But this did not last long - after just a couple of months, the work was recognized as contrary to the tenets of the church and prohibited. The author was summoned to Rome for trial.
The investigation lasted quite a long time: from April 21 to June 21, 1633. On June 22, Galileo was forced to pronounce the text proposed to him, according to which he renounced his “false” beliefs.
The last years in the life of a scientist
I had to work in the most difficult conditions. Galileo was sent to his Villa Archertri in Florence. Here he was under constant supervision of the Inquisition and had no right to go to the city (Rome). In 1634, the scientist’s beloved daughter, who took care of him for a long time, died.
Death came to Galileo on January 8, 1642. He was buried on the territory of his villa, without any honors and even without a tombstone. However, in 1737, almost a hundred years later, the scientist’s last will was fulfilled - his ashes were transferred to the monastic chapel of the Florence Cathedral of Santa Croce. On the seventeenth of March he was finally buried there, not far from Michelangelo’s tomb.
Posthumous rehabilitation
Was Galileo Galilei right in his beliefs? A short biography and his discoveries have long been a topic of debate among clergy and luminaries of the scientific world; many conflicts and disputes have developed on this basis. However, only on December 31, 1992 (!) John Paul II officially admitted that the Inquisition in the 33rd year of the 17th century made a mistake, forcing the scientist to renounce the heliocentric theory of the universe formulated by Nicolaus Copernicus.
Fortunately, the fires of the Inquisition had already died down in Europe at that time, and the scientist escaped with only the status of “prisoner of the Holy Inquisition.”
Brief biography
Galileo Galilei (November 15, 1564 – January 8, 1642) remained in history as a brilliant astronomer and physicist. He is recognized as the founder of exact natural science.
Being a native of the Italian city of Pisa, he received his education there - at the famous University of Pisa, studying in a medical specialty. However, after familiarizing himself with the works of Euclid and Archimedes, the future scientist became so interested in mechanics and geometry that he immediately decided to leave the university, devoting his entire future life to the natural sciences.
In 1589 Galileo became a professor at the University of Pisa. A few more years later he began working at the University of Padua, where he remained until 1610. He continued his further work as the court philosopher of Duke Cosimo II de' Medici, continuing to engage in research in the fields of physics, geometry and astronomy.
Discovery and legacy
His main discoveries are two principles of mechanics, which had a significant impact on the development of not only mechanics itself, but also physics in general. We are talking about the fundamental Galilean principle of relativity for uniform and rectilinear motion, as well as the principle of constancy of the acceleration of gravity.
Based on the principle of relativity discovered by him, I. Newton created such a concept as an inertial frame of reference. The second principle helped him develop the concepts of inert and heavy masses.
Einstein completely managed to develop Galileo’s mechanical principle for all physical processes, primarily light, drawing conclusions about the nature and laws of time and space. And by combining the second Galilean principle, which he interpreted as the principle of the equivalence of inertial forces to gravitational forces, with the first he created the general theory of relativity.
In addition to these two principles, Galileo was responsible for the discovery of the following laws:
Constant period of oscillation;
Addition movements;
Inertia;
Free fall;
Body movements on an inclined plane;
Movement of a body thrown at an angle.
In addition to these basic fundamental discoveries, the scientist was involved in the invention and design of various applied devices. So, in 1609, using convex and concave lenses, he created a device that was an optical system - an analogue of a modern telescope. With the help of this device he created with his own hands, he began to explore the night sky. And he was very successful in this, finalizing the device in practice and making a full-fledged telescope for that time.
Thanks to his own invention, Galileo was soon able to discover the phases of Venus, sunspots and much more. etc.
However, the scientist’s inquisitive mind did not stop at the successful use of the telescope. In 1610, after conducting experiments and changing the distances between the lenses, he invented the reverse version of the telescope - the microscope. The role of these two instruments for modern science cannot be overestimated. He also invented the thermoscope (1592) - an analogue of the modern thermometer. As well as many other useful devices and devices.
The scientist’s astronomical discoveries significantly influenced the scientific worldview as a whole. In particular, his conclusions and justifications resolved long disputes between supporters of the teachings of Copernicus and supporters of the systems developed by Ptolemy and Aristotle. The obvious arguments given showed that the Aristotelian and Ptolemaic systems were erroneous.
True, after such stunning evidence (1633), they immediately rushed to recognize the scientist as a heretic. Fortunately, the fires of the Inquisition had already died down in Europe at that time, and Galileo escaped with only the status of a “prisoner of the Holy Inquisition”, a ban on working in Rome (after and in Florence, as well as near it), as well as constant supervision of himself. But the scientist continued his relatively active work. And before the illness that caused loss of vision, he managed to complete another of his famous works, “Conversations and Mathematical Proofs Concerning Two New Branches of Science” (1637).
Galileo Galileo (02/15/1564 – 01/08/1642) was an Italian physicist, astronomer, mathematician and philosopher who made a great contribution to the development of science. He discovered experimental physics, laid the foundations for the development of classical mechanics, and made major discoveries in astronomy.
Early years
Galileo, a native of the city of Pisa, had a noble origin, but his family was not rich. Galileo was the eldest child of four (a total of six children were born in the family, but two died). Since childhood, the boy was drawn to creativity: like his father, a musician, he was seriously interested in music, was an excellent painter and understood issues of fine art. He also had a literary gift, which allowed him to later express his scientific research in his writings.
He was an outstanding student at the monastery school. He wanted to become a clergyman, but changed his mind due to the rejection of this idea by his father, who insisted that his son receive a medical education. So at the age of 17, Galileo went to the University of Pisa, where, in addition to medicine, he studied geometry, which fascinated him greatly.
Already at this time, the young man was characterized by the desire to defend his own position, without fear of established authoritative opinions. Constantly argued with teachers on science issues. I studied at the university for three years. It is assumed that at that time Galileo learned the teachings of Copernicus. He was forced to quit his studies when his father could no longer pay for it.
Thanks to the fact that the young man managed to make several inventions, he was noticed. The Marquis del Monte, who was very fond of science and had good capital, especially admired him. So Galileo found a patron, who also introduced him to the Duke of Medici and got him a job as a professor at the same university. This time Galileo focused on mathematics and mechanics. In 1590, he published his work - the treatise “On Movement”.
Professor in Venice
From 1592 to 1610, Galileo taught at the University of Padua, became the head of the mathematics department, and was famous in scientific circles. Galileo's most active activity occurred at this time. He was very popular among students who dreamed of attending his classes. Famous scientists corresponded with him, and the authorities constantly set new technical tasks for Galileo. At the same time, the treatise “Mechanics” was published.
When a new star was discovered in 1604, his scientific research turned to astronomy. In 1609, he assembled the first telescope, with the help of which he seriously advanced the development of astronomical science. Galileo described the surface of the Moon, the Milky Way, and discovered the satellites of Jupiter. His book The Starry Messenger, published in 1610, was a huge success and made the telescope a popular purchase in Europe. But along with recognition and veneration, the scientist is also accused of the illusory nature of his discoveries, as well as of his desire to harm the medical and astrological sciences.
Soon, Professor Galileo entered into an unofficial marriage with Marina Gamba, who bore him three children. Having responded to an offer of a high position in Florence from the Duke of Medici, he moves and becomes an adviser at court. This decision allowed Galileo to pay off large debts, but partly played a disastrous role in his fate.
Life in Florence
In a new place, the scientist continued his astronomical research. It was typical for him to present his discoveries in a cocky style, which greatly irritated other figures, as well as the Jesuits. This led to the formation of an anti-Galilean society. The main complaint from the church was the heliocentric system, which contradicts religious texts.
In 1611, the scientist went to Rome to meet with the head of the Catholic Church, where he was received quite warmly. There he introduced the telescope to the cardinals and tried, with caution, to give some explanations. Later, encouraged by a successful visit, he published his letter to the abbot that Scripture could not have authority in matters of science, which attracted the attention of the Inquisition.
Galileo demonstrates the laws of gravity (fresco by D. Bezzoli, 1841)
His 1613 book “Letters on Sunspots” contained open support for the teachings of N. Copernicus. In 1615, the Inquisition opened its first case against Galileo. And after he called on the Pope to express his final point of view on Copernicanism, the situation only worsened. In 1616, the church declared heliocentrism a heresy and banned Galileo's book. Galileo's attempts to correct the situation led nowhere, but they promised not to persecute him if he stopped supporting the teachings of Copernicus. But for a scientist convinced of his rightness, this was impossible.
Nevertheless, for a while he decided to turn his energy in a different direction, taking up criticism of the teachings of Aristotle. The result was his book “The Assay Master,” written in 1623. At the same time, Galileo Barberini's longtime friend was elected Pope. Hoping to lift the ban on the church, the scientist went to Rome, where he was well received, but did not achieve what he wanted. Galileo further decided to continue to defend the truth in his writings, considering several scientific points of view from a position of neutrality. His "Dialogue Concerning the Two World Systems" lays the foundations for the new mechanics.
Galileo's conflict with the church
Having submitted his “Dialogue” to the Catholic censor in 1630, Galileo waited a year, after which he resorted to a trick: he wrote a preface about the rejection of Copernicanism as a teaching. As a result, permission was received. Published in 1632, the book did not contain the author's specific conclusions, although it clearly made sense in the argumentation of the Copernican system. The work was written in accessible Italian; the author also independently sent copies to senior church officials.
A few months later, the book was banned and Galileo was called to trial. He was arrested and held in captivity for 18 days. Thanks to the efforts of his student Duke, the scientist was shown leniency, although he was allegedly still tortured. The investigation lasted two months, after which Galileo was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment, and he also had to renounce his own “delusions.” He did not actually utter the now famous phrase “Still it turns,” which is attributed to Galileo. This legend was invented by the Italian literary figure D. Baretti.
Galileo before the Judgment (K. Bunty, 1857)
Old age
The scientist did not stay in prison for long; he was allowed to live on the Medici estate, and after five months he was allowed to return home, where he continued to be monitored. Galileo settled in Arcetri near the monastery where his daughters served, and spent his last years under house arrest. He was subject to a large number of prohibitions, which made it difficult for him to undergo treatment and communicate with friends. Later they were allowed to visit the scientist one at a time.
Despite the difficulties, Galileo continued to work in non-prohibited scientific areas. He published a book about mechanics, planned to anonymously publish a book in defense of his views, but did not have time. After the death of his beloved daughter, he became blind, but continued to work and wrote a work on kinematics, published in Holland and which became the basis for the research of Huygens and Newton.
Galileo died and was buried in Arcetri; the church prohibited burial in the family crypt and the erection of monuments to the scientist. His grandson, the last representative of the family, having become a monk, destroyed valuable manuscripts. In 1737, the remains of the scientist were transferred to the family tomb. It was only in the late 70s of the last century that the Catholic Church rehabilitated Galileo; in 1992, the mistake of the Inquisition was officially recognized.
