The Revival of Planetary Astronomy in Carolingian and Post-Carolingian Europe (review)
Paul Antony Hayward
Reviewed by: The Revival of Planetary Astronomy in Carolingian and Post-Carolingian Europe Paul Antony Hayward Eastwood, Bruce S. , ( Variorum collected studies series 729), Aldershot, Ashgate, 2002; hardback; pp. xii, 322; 56 b/w illustrations, 8 line drawings; RRP £61.50; ISBN 0860788687. argument which unites the 10 articles assembled present volume is that it was study four classical texts during ninth, tenth, eleventh centuries provided basis for revival planetary astronomy took place ninth century. Those key were Pliny Elder's Naturalis historia, Macrobius's Commentary on Cicero's Somnium Scipionis, Calcidius's first two-thirds Plato's Timaeus, Martianus Capella's De nuptiis Philologiae et Mercurii. These scholars with several different theoretical models understanding erratic movements five known planets as seen from Earth. somewhat contradictory this generated much further inquiry discussion century attempted to reconcile them tease out their implications. Much work pursued through glossing these (usually extracts one or more others) especially by devising diagrams illustrate contents. In way, Eastwood argues, developed a 'rationalised' 'reasoned', but not entirely compatible, set how might well move around Earth each other. astronomers attempted, other words, comprehend spatial organisation heavens building based ancient rather then recourse [End Page 223] close observation precise measurement. However, weathered coming new observational instruments such astrolabe endured until Copernican revolution. This at least some force introduction essay, 'Astronomy Christian Latin Europe, c.500–c.1150'. follow do provide strong support argument's essential premises. An awkward loose end often rears its head, however, problem relationship between form development science computus post-Carolingian period. commentaries have been focus Eastwood's research are usually (though exclusively) transmitted among 'auxiliary' materials found computistical – many minor 'satellite' texts, glosses illustrations prefixed, inserted into appended core components Bede's temporum ratione temporibus. recent has focused way manuscripts acquired auxiliary myriad ways they edited 'improved' over time. tendency variously explained as, example, product pedagogical need equip abbots monastic cantors broad sense workings time nature so would be better able perform tasks organising liturgical calendar day powerful impulse towards integration scientific religious knowledge renewed given thrust so-called Renaissance. For his part, though he allows commonly studied together (e.g. VII, p. 17) needs teachers students major driving search clearer I, 251), regards appearance astronomical topics taught part 'notably utilitarian discipline' 'an invasion practical ecclesiastical study' 'theoretical' 'secular' element foreign purpose (I, 243). Religious concerns figure argument, within context texts. Rather, argues data 'eschatological, numerological, astrological prediction' catalysed...
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