Enter the mysterious world of 16th century science, where astronomers and alchemists shared laboratories. In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus declared the earth revolved around the Sun, overturning centuries of scholastic presumption. A new age was coming into view, one guided by observation, technology and logic. But omens and elixirs did not disappear from the 16th century laboratory. Charms and potions could still be found nestled between glistening brass instruments and leather-bound tomes. The line between the natural and supernatural remained porous, yet to be defined. From the icy Danish observatory of Tycho Brahe, to the smoky, sulphur-stained workshop of John Dee, Violet Moller tours the intellectual heart of early European science. Exploring its rich, multidisciplinary culture, she reveals a dazzling forgotten world, where all knowledge, no matter how arcane, could be pursued in good faith. 'Inside the Stargazer's Palace plunges us into an irresistible network of touchy scientists, unpredictable patrons and religious controversy in the sixteenth century antechamber of the modern world.' - Christopher de Bellaigue. Rich in detail and written with verve and humour, chapters cover Nuremberg, Louvain, Mortlake the universal library, Kassel, Hven an island of Urania, Prague, and Atlantis, a vision of the future. For all curious-minded readers, 291 pages.
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