Edward Singleton Holden

Galileo Edward Singleton Holden

Galileo Galilei, known as the father of Science, is a famous astronomer, philosopher and mathematician who played an important role in the scientific revolution. He was accused of blasphemy and impiety after his discoveries and reasonings about the solar system. The purpose of this prosecution by the Pope and the Holy Office was to check the spread of scientific doctrines among the faithful and to utterly ruin the authority of Galileo. This purpose was fully attained when notice of his abjuration and punishment was sent to all vicars "so that it may come to the knowledge of all professors of philosophy and mathematics... that they may understand the gravity of the fault he has committed as well as the punishment they will have to undergo should they (likewise) fall into it."