Published: 1546, Basel, Switzerland

Published just three years after Copernicus proposed his heliocentric (Sun-centered) cosmic model, Sphaera Mundi, written by Rabbi Abraham Hispanus, subscribes to the still widely accepted geocentric (Earth-centered) model of the universe. In Hebrew and Latin, the text elucidates the design of the universe with dozens of illustrations, and various leaves include handwritten notes and calculations. 

Below are six photos of notable pages in Sphaera Mundi. One models the Earth and the surrounding celestial sphere, the projected map of the sky around Earth. One depicts the solar and lunar eclipses. The next depicts the geocentric model of the universe. Then, a schematic of Earth designating the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn as “Inhabitable.” Finally, a schematic of Earth with the celestial equator designated as the “axis zodiaci.”

The John Hay has an excellent History of Science Collection, covering all physical and life sciences. Some highlights include copies of Galileo Galilei’s works signed and notated by Vincenzo Viviani, his assistant. The Hay also houses records of astronomical observations from Providence.