Nicole Oresme, Traitie de l’espere
A critical edition
edited by Ronald Thomson
This first critical edition of an introduction to astronomy by this well-known French author covers topics germane to both physical astronomy (in the Aristotelian tradition) and mathematical astronomy (in the Ptolemaic tradition). As well as presenting the Middle French text, it is also supplemented by explanations of the text’s scientific material. Appendices identify the sources cited in the texts; the study of geographical climes, and French neologisms introduced in the Traite.
Nicole Oresme (ca. 1320-1382) was a well-known French author and translator working under the patronage of King Charles V (1338-1380). He commented on a number of Aristotelian treatises as well as producing original texts in Latin or Middle French on natural philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, astrology, economics and monetary theory, theology and sermons. The Traitie de l’espere, written between 1356 and 1377 for the benefit of Charles V and his court, is an introduction to basic physical astronomy (the elements, the spheres, the planets, eclipses, etc.) as well as the groundwork for mathematical astronomy (basic celestial circles – ecliptic and zodiac, colures, tropics, and the like). The text also includes a study of the habitable areas of the Earth (the various climes) and an interesting chapter on the phenomenon of gaining or losing a day if one circles the earth, travelling east or west. This is the first critical edition of the Traitie based on the presentation copy (now in the library of St. John’s College in Oxford), collated with the other twelve Middle French manuscripts from the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The edition identifies nearly all of the sources quoted in the text, and the various geographical and mythological references. It includes explanations of scientific themes for the benefit of those not familiar with medieval science. An appendix lists possible French neologisms by Oresme found first in this treatise.
- Edited by Ronald Thomson
Other Titles in this Series
The Old English Life of Saint Pantaleon
Old English text with introduction, translation and Latin version
Volume 33
A Late Fifteenth-Century Commonplace Book
Edited from Cambridge University Library MS Gg.6.16
Volume 23
Un inquisiteur non sanguinaire
les vies inedites de saint Pierre Martyr en francais medieval
Volume 21
The Anglo-Norman Bible’s Books of Kings, a Critical Edition
(BL Royal 1 C III, fols 234r-274v)
Volume 37
Le Brut moyen-anglais en prose (version commune des origines a 1333)
Traduction francaise de Marie-Francoise Alamichel
Volume 16
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