Galileo's Daughter

by Dava Sobel

  Galileo’s description of Saturn from Drake (Galileo at Work, p. 163); Kepler’s reaction to telescope from I. Bernard Cohen (Birth of a New Physics, p. 76). “In order . . . possible” is from Van Helden (p. 92).

  Galileo’s letter to Salviati, “I have been . . . gardens, etc.,” translated by Giorgio de Santillana (Crime of Galileo, p. 23).

  Social bulletin translated by Biagioli (p. 253). Lyncean Academy charter taken from Drake’s article in Science (p. 1195).

  Comment on Galileo’s debating style is from Biagioli (p. yy), as is Cardinal Barberini’s praise (p. 332, n. 89).

  Letter from Cigoli of December 16, 1611, translated by Drake (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 146).

  Cardinal del Monte’s letter from Righini Bonelli and Shea (pp. 20 and 23).

  Excerpt from Bodies in Water translated by Drake (Cause, Experiment, and Science, pp. 18-20).

  Comment on Italian language, “I wrote . . . them,” from a letter to Paolo Gualdo, translated by Drake (Discoveries and Opinions, p-84).

  [V] In the very face of the sun

  “In that part of the sky . . . brief periods" is from Drake’s translation of Galileo’s second letter on sunspots (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 119). “They wish . . . posterity” is taken from the third letter on sunspots, translated by Drake (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 127).

  Welser’s invitation to the discussion is also Drake’s translation (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 89).

  Galileo’s reference to his indisposition and indecision, “The difficulty . . . proved it,” is from his first letter on sunspots (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 90). “With absolute necessity . . . the universe” is also from Drake’s translation of the first letter on sunspots (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 94). “Sunspots . . . at all” appears further on in Galileo’s first letter on sunspots (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 98).

  “I do . . . by us" continues Drake’s translation (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 100). “If I may . . . recognize them” is from the first letter on sunspots (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 102). “And forgive me . . . in perfect tune” is from the closing of the first letter on sunspots (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 103).

  Welser’s thanks, “You . . . lines” and his suggestion, “It would be . . . however strong,” appears in his second letter to Galileo, translated by Drake (Discoveries and Opinions, pp. 104-105).

  Welser’s opening to his second letter, “I have read . . . Thy sight,” continues Drake’s translation (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 105).

  [VI] Observant executrix of God ‘s commands

  “Thursday morning . . . the telescope" blends two of Drake’s translations of Castelli’s letter to Galileo (Galileo at Work, p. 222, and Discoveries and Opinions, p. 151).

  “After many things . . . that view" and “Now, getting back . . . never a word” continue Drake’s translation of this letter (Galileo at Work, pp. 222-23).

  Galileo’s reply to Castelli, “As to the first . . . of the future,” blends Drake’s translation (Galileo at Work, pp. 224-25) with others by Olney (quoted in James Brodrick, pp. y6-yy) and Pedersen (Trent, p. 23).

  “Holy Scripture . . . God’s commands" also combines elements of the translations mentioned immediately above, along with an earlier one by Drake (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 182).

  Continuing Galileo’s reply to Castelli, “I believe . . . so completely,” is again an amalgamation (see Brodrick, pp. 78-79; Drake’s Galileo at Work, p. 226, and Discoveries and Opinions, pp. 183-84).

  The opening of Galileo’s letter to Madama Cristina, “Some years ago . . . their purposes,” comes from Drake’s translation (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 175).

  Continuing the letter, “Possibly because . . . the Bible,” still from Drake (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 177); “Let us grant . . . his edifices” (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 193); and “To ban Copernicus . . . thousands of years” (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 196).

  [VII] The malico of my persecutors

  From Galileo’s “Treatise on the Tides,” “To hold . . . reflections,” translated by Drake, as the passage later appeared in the Dialogue (p.419).

  Bellarmino’s letter combines translations that appear in Jerome J. Langford (p. 61), Brodrick (pp. 95-96), and Richard J. Blackwell (pp.265-67).

  Galileo’s letter, “I told His Holiness . . . on all occasions,” appears in Brodrick (pp. 106-7).

  Bellarmino’s letter supporting Galileo, “We, Roberto . . . May 1616,” is Sturge’s 1879 translation quoted in De Santillana (Crime of Galileo, P-132).

  Galileo’s letter to Leopold, “I send you . . . this chimera,” combines translations by Drake (Galileo at Work, p. 262) and De Santillana (p. 151).

  [VIII] Conjecture here among shadows

  “As a result . . . by perfect eyes" is from Drake’s translation of The Assayer (Controversy, p. 319). “I shall . . . among the graves” is from a letter translated by Righini Bonelli and Shea (p. 19).

  “During . . . this matter" comes from Drake’s translation of The Assayer (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 236).

  “Hence . . . imperfect" is taken from Drake’s translation of the Discourse on the Comets (Controversy, p. 57).

  The gold quip, “If their . . . my house,” is from Drake’s translation of The Assayer (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 253; Controversy, p. 229), as is “That reply . . . duplicity” (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 241).

  “I cannot . . . dray horses" is still from The Assayer (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 271; Controversy, p. 301).

  From the opening of The Assayer, “I have . . . its intention,” is Drake’s (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 231).

  [IX] How our father is favored

  Urban’s remark about Rome is taken from his bull inaugurating the visitation, quoted in Nussdorfer (p. 21 and n. 1); the “ordinary Pope" comment is De Santillana’s translation (p. 161).

  The two short passages from The Assayer are both taken from Drake’s translation (Discoveries and Opinions, p. 239).

  The parable about the song of the cicada also comes from Drake’s translation of The Assayer (Discoveries and Opinions, pp. 256-58).

  [X] To busy my soft in your service

  The assessment of Poor Clare life by Maria Domitilla Galluzzi is taken from E. Ann Matter and John Coakley, Creative Women (p. 206).

  Galileo’s comments on his “clown’s habit” are recounted by Drake (Galileo at Work, p. xiii).

  Galileo’s letter to Castelli is quoted in Righini Bonelli and Shea (p.32).

  [XII] Because of our zeal

  Urban’s “embrace” is quoted in De Santillana (p. 171).

  The passages from Galileo’s “Reply to Ingoli” are all taken from Maurice A. Finocchiaro (Galileo Affair): “Eight years . . . that time” (p. 154); “However . . . against my will” (p. 155); “Note, Signor . . . authority” (p. 155); "I am thinking . . . faith” (p. 156); “Thus . . . put together” (p. 156); “For, Signor . . . the universe” (pp. 156-57); “If any place . . . therein” (p. 179).

  [XIII] Through my memory of their eloquence

  The first quote from the Dialogue, “The constitution . . . works,” is from Drake’s translation (pp. 3-4).

  The excerpt from the Dialogue’s preface, “Many years . . . speculations,” is Finocchiaro’s translation (World Systems, p. 81). “Now, since . . . reflections” is a mix of Drake and Finocchiaro (Dialogue, p. 7, and World Systems, p. 82).

  The comment on the diagrams is from Drake (Dialogue, p. 80). “Some . . . prohibitions” is Drake’s translation (Dialogue, p. 5).

  “Upon hearing . . . mind as well" continues Drake’s translation of the Dialogue’s preface (p. 5).

  “For my part . . . nonexistent" is from Drake (Dialogue, pp. 58-59). “The deeper . . . they are” (Drake’s Dialogue, p. 59).

  Galileo’s critique of the invention is Drake’s translation (Galileo at Work, p. 297). [ 3 8 7 ]

  [XIV] A small and trifling body

  All quotations from the Dialogue in
this chapter come from Drake’s translation.

  “I act . . . the stage” (p. 131).

  “The air . . . forever asleep” (p. 183). “Shut. . . standing still” (pp. 186-87).

  “We encounter . . . violence” (p. 120).

  Michelangelo’s letter is from Righini Bonelli and Shea (p. 32).

  [XV] On the right path, by the grace of God

  Galileo’s letter to Elia Diodati is Drake’s translation (Galileo at Work, p. 310).

  All the excerpts from the Dialogue in this chapter are Drake’s translation:

  “But another effect . . . mighty marvel” (p. 345).

  “I might . . . unbounded” (p. 319).

  “It seems to . . . serve us” (p. 368).

  “I believe . . . corpses” (p. 368).

  “Besides . . . mankind” (pp. 368-69).

  [XVI] The tempest of our many torments

  Again drawing on Drake’s translation of the Dialogue for the quotations in this chapter:

  The anecdote about Aristotle is from Day Four (p. 433). p. 177 “In the . . . tides” (p. 462).

  “As to . . . his own” (p. 464).

  [XVII] It hile seeking to immortalize your fame

  Castelli’s letter is quoted in Pedersen (“Religion,” p. 94).

  Father Riccardi’s imprimatur for The Assayer is Drake’s translation (Controversy, p. 152).

  Galileo’s letter (to Baliani, August 6, 1630) is Drake’s translation (Galileo at Work, p. 313).

  [XVIII] Since the Lord chastises us with these whips

  Petrarca’s comment on “happy posterity” is quoted from Epistolae Familiaris in Philip Ziegler, The Black Death (p. 45).

  [XX] That I should be begged to publish such a work

  All the official correspondence in this chapter is translated by Finocchiaro in The Galileo Affair.

  The sentence fragment describing the ideas in the Dialogue as “chimeras, dreams,” et cetera, is drawn from Galileo’s letter to the Tuscan secretary of state, March 7, 1631 (p. 207). Two more excerpts from the above letter: “Indeed . . . such a work” (pp. 207-8) and “In the meantime . . . ill health” (p. 208).

  Father Riccardi’s letter of May 24, “I want . . . revised” (Galileo Affair, p. 212).

  Father Riccardi’s July 19 letter, “In . . . content” (p. 213); his instructions for the ending (p. 354, n. 57).

  Ambassador Niccolini’s letter, “After . . . Most Serene House” (p. 214). Galileo’s dedication to Ferdinando II, “These dialogues . . . publication,” is Drake’s translation (Dialogue, pp. 3-4).

  Castelli’s letter of May 29, 1632, “I still . . . to myself,” is translated by Drake (Galileo at Work, pp. 336-37).

  The commissioners’ report to the pope, “We think . . . printed book,” is Finocchiaro’s translation (p. 219). Ambassador Niccolini’s views of the pope: “I feel. . . rage” (p. 229) and “When . . . a troublesome affair” (pp. 231-32).

  Galileo’s letter to Diodati of January 15, 1633, is De Santillana’s translation (pp. 215-16 n. 18).

  [XXI] How anxiously I live, awaiting word from you

  All of the diplomatic correspondence in this chapter is translated by Finocchiaro, and all page numbers in parentheses refer to The Galileo Affair.

  Niccolini on the secrecy of the Holy Office (p. 240).

  Niccolini’s report on the first week, “The latter . . . to him” (pp.243-44).

  Niccolini’s dispatch of March 6, “About. . . the matter” (p. 246).

  Niccolini’s letter, “I reiterated . . . these subjects” (p. 247).

  [XXII] In the chambers of the Holy office of the Inquisition

  The trial transcript, which appears in this chapter in its entirety, is drawn mostly from Finocchiaro’s translation published in The Galileo Affair. Several passages, however, are blended with the partial translation by Drake in Galileo at Work, and the whole is informed by De Santillana’s treatment of the transcript in The Crime of Galileo.

  The first deposition combines Drake (pp. 344-47), Finocchiaro (pp. 256-62), and De Santillana (pp. 237-40). The first excerpt from the Inquisition’s dossier, “His Holiness . . . imprisoned” (Finocchiaro, p. 247, and De Santillana, pp. 125-56).

  The February 26 entry, “In the Palace . . . against him” (Drake, p. 348).

  The continuation of the first deposition is a mix of Drake (p. 347), as well as of another partial translation in Langford’s Galileo, Science, and the Church (p. 139), and Finocchiaro (pp. 260-62). The close of the first (April 12, 1633) deposition (Finocchiaro, p. 262).

  [XXIII] I ainglorious, pure ignorance, and inadvertence

  Inchofer’s statements on the Dialogue are Finocchiaro’s translations (Galileo Affair, p. 264 and p. 266). The continuation of the statements, “If Galileo . . . in mind,” is a mix of Finocchiaro (Galileo Affair, p. 268) and De Santillana (pp. 246-47).

  The excerpts from the Father Commissary’s letter are taken from Drake’s translation (Galileo at Work, pp. 349-50).

  Galileo’s second deposition (April 30) remarks are a blend of De Santillana (pp. 255-56), Langford (pp. 144-45), and Finocchiaro (Galileo Affair, p. 278).

  Niccolini’s observation, “It is . . . alive,” is De Santillana’s translation (p. 258).

  The excerpts from Galileo’s written defense statement are drawn from Finocchiaro’s translation (Galileo Affair, pp. 279-281) with a few minor editorial changes. The quote “Lastly . . . prospect” contains some part of F. S. Taylor’s translation as cited in Langford (p.147).

  Niccolini’s letter, “In regard . . . myself,” is Finocchiaro’s translation (Galileo Affair, p. 253).

  [XXIV] Faith vested in the miraculous Madonna of Impruneta

  Galileo’s deposition of June 21, 1633, is a mix of Finocchiaro (Galileo Affair, pp. 286-87) and De Santillana (pp. 302-3), with two minor editorial adjustments.

  [XXV] Judgment passed on your book and your person

  Galileo’s sentence is a blend of Langford (pp. 152-53) and the text posted on the Web site of the Istituto e Museo della Storia di Scienza (galile o. imss. firenze. it).

  The text of Galileo’s abjuration is a combination of De Santillana (pp. 312-13) and Righini Bonelli and Shea (pp. 48-49).

  [XXVI] Not knowing how to refuse him the keys

  Piccolomini’s letter to Galileo is from De Santillana’s translation (p. 200).

  Galileo’s letter (to Nicole Fabri de Peiresc) is De Santillana’s translation (p. 324).

  [XXVII] Terrible destruction on the fast of san Lorengo

  The Archbishop’s assessment of the bell casting is from Drake’s translation (Galileo at Work, p. 355).

  The quote about “MOTION” (p. 147)—and all other excerpts from Two New Sciences in this chapter—are drawn from Drake’s translation.

  “Just as . . . his books” (p. xiii). “There will . . . still deeper” (p.147).

  [XXVIII] Recitation of the penitential psalms

  “The constant . . . mechanics" is from Henry Crew and Alfonso de Salvio’s translation of Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences (p. 1).

  Sagredo’s comments on large structures are a mix of Crew and de Salvio (p. 1) and Drake (Two New Sciences, p. 11).

  Salviati’s response, “Please observe . . . manifest error,” is mostly from Crew and de Salvio (pp. 4-5), with measurement figures from Drake.

  Simplicio’s satisfaction is quoted from Drake (Two New Sciences, p. 93). “To illustrate . . . own size” is from Crew and de Salvio (p.131).

  Excerpt from Galileo’s letter to Peiresc is translated by Mary Allan-Olney (Private Life of Galileo, pp. 278-79) and cited in Drake’s Galileo (pp. 92-93).

  [XXIX] The book of life, or, A prophet accepted in his own land

  Galileo’s defense of Girolamo Fabrici of Acquapendente is from Drake’s translation (Galileo at Work, pp. 172-73), with minor changes.

  The anonymous denunciation of the archbishop is De Santillana’s translation (p. 325, n.4), with minor changes based on my readi
ng of the original in Pagano.

  [XXX] My soul and its longing

  Most of the quotes from Two New Sciences in this chapter come from Crew and de Salvio:

  Salviati’s description of the ball-rolling trials (pp. 178-79).

  “For the . . . results” (p. 179).

  “One cannot . . . curve” (p. 250). “Your demonstration . . . from true” (p. 248). “The force . . . repeated experiment” (p. 276). “The cause . . . investigation” actually comes from Kline (p. 333) but resembles Crew and de Salvio (p. 166).

  [XXXI] Until I have this from you r lips

  Galileo’s letter to Cardinal Barberini of December 17, 1633, is my own translation.

  Aggiunti’s letter is translated by Pedersen (“Religion,” p. 88), with slight modifications.