The Follies of Science at the Court of Rudolph II; 1576-1612

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 edition. Excerpt: ... Chapter XIX. DECLINE OF THE FOLLIES OF SCIENCE.& 34;Ye Rosicrucian schools, Ye number-prickers, ye physiognomists, Ye dream-expounding, treasure-seeking fools, Alchemists, magnetizers, kabbalists! Ye& 39;re wrong!& 34; Hellgren. HE QUADRATURE of the circle, the multiplication of the cube, perpetual motion, judicial astrology, alchemy and magic have been characterized as the& 34;Six Follies of Science.& 34; While a great deal of time and energy were wasted by intellectual men in these studies and chimerical pursuits, it must be admitted that these follies gave great impetus to the progress of true learning. The study of abstruse problems in pure mathematics even though non-solvable, attempts to construct mechanical devices on principles opposed to a fundamental law of nature, erroneous conceptions of the relation of celestial phenomena to mundane affairs, the vain quest for the Philosophers& 39; Stone, the Elixir of Life and the riches and bodily vigor they would ensure, even the painful degradations of a false philosophy exhibited in magic and sorcery, each contributed its quota to the advancement of human knowledge on rational lines. The period of tutelage has its drawbacks, and these sophistries during their sway fostered superstitions that inflict...