Early Physics and Astronomy: A Historical Introduction

according Almagest angle Antiquity Arabic Archimedes Aristotelian Aristotle assumed astronomical became body called cause centre century circle completely conception considered contains Copernicus described determined developed direct distance doctrine early Earth ecliptic elements epicycle equal example existence experience explained fact fixed follows force fundamental geometrical give given gravity Greek ideas important influence interest Italy kind knowledge known later Latin light London material mathematical means mechanics Mediaeval method Middle Ages Moon motion moving natural observations optics original Paris period phenomena philosophers physics planetary planets Plato position possible principle problem proof proved Ptolemy Pythagorean ratio reason relation result rotation Sarton scientific seems seen shows similar sphere spherical stars substances tables theoretical theory thought Timaios traditional transl translation treatise uniform universe velocity vols weight