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Part of the book series: History of Mechanism and Machine Science ((HMMS,volume 1))

Abstract

Nicolaus Copernicus was an astronomer who provided the first modern formulation of a heliocentric (sun-centered) model of the solar system. Using logical arguments, available theory, and showing the weaknesses of the prevailing geocentric description of the universe, he elaborated a revolutionary model of the motion of the planets. His work is considered to be the most fundamental contribution ever made to the mechanics of celestial bodies. The paper introduces Copernicus’ life, the history of his most important works, and some less well-known facts about his impact on the practice of general mechanics.

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Zielinska, T. (2007). Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543). In: Ceccarelli, M. (eds) Distinguished Figures in Mechanism and Machine Science. History of Mechanism and Machine Science, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6366-4_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-6366-4_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4020-6365-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4020-6366-4

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