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Jupiter’s newly discovered moons elevated a question of a more realistic natural world, a question that was to be raised in the future every time a new solar system object was discovered. Since no one had ever discovered a new member of the solar system before 1610, no procedure had yet been established for naming either moons or planets, and Galileo simply seized the prerogative for himself.
Galileo declared publicly his innovation of “four planets speedily turning on or around Jupiter at contradictory distant region and the interval taken to complete one cycle of the regularly repeating phenomenon, which has never been discovered by anyone.” Galileo perceived them and decided that they should be named the MEDICEAN STARS. However, he did this comparatively as a sense of showing his appreciation, to Ferdinand de Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, who made arrangements for his non-elective position at the University of Pisa.
A more important factor in Galileo’s choice of name, it is certain, was his desire to better himself politically and financially.
The Medicis, rulers of Tuscany, were the most powerful family in Italy both politically and financially, and though they had a history of ruthlessness toward those who threatened them, they were also known as great patrons of art and science.
In 1609, the Grand Duke of Tuscany was Cosimo 11, Ferdinand’s son, whom Galilei had tutored in mathematics when he was younger. Honoring Cosimo de Medici with Jupiter, Galileo thought, might result in the granting of substantial favors.
In line with this, Galileo’s naming of the four newly discovered moons of Jupiter after the Medici family is the act not only of a canny courtier but of someone with a sense of the sky’s allegorical depth.
In a move calculated to gain Galileo a plum patronage position in the Tuscan court, was his intention of naming the moons of Jupiter the medician Stars. However, the dedication was as florid as anything, complete with astrological references. After noting that the known constellations and planets have been named for Greek and Roman deities and mythological heroes he says it is only fitting that Cosimo should have the same honor by saying “Indeed, the Maker of the stars himself has seemed by clear indications to direct that I assign to these new planets Your Highness’s famous name in preference to all others. For just as these stars, like children worthy of their sire, never leave the side of Jupiter by any appreciable distance, so (indeed who does not know?) clemency, kindness of heart, the gentleness of manner, splendor of royal blood, nobility in public affairs, and excellency of authority and rule have fixed their abode and habitation in your Highness……. And so, most serene Cosimo, having discovered under your patronage these stars unknown to every astronomer before me, I have with good right decided to designate them by the august name of your family. And if I’m first to have investigated them, who can justly blame me if I likewise name them, calling them the Medicean Stars, in the hope that this name will bring as much honor to them as the names of heroes have bestowed on other stars? For, to say nothing of Your Highness’s most serene ancestors, whose everlasting glory is testified by the monuments of all history, your virtue alone, most worthy Sire, can confer upon these an immortal name”. (Drake and Galilei 24). Though, Galileo had smelled an opportunity to win the patronage of the Medici family and set out to reach the goal with characteristic impatience and bluntness. Despite this, to have anything from the public one must satisfy the public and not any one individual.
Galileo knew that patronage would take him out of the university system with its wearisome academic politics and time robbing teaching commitments. It would increase his income and status. And most important of all, the identification with the powerful Medicis would provide a degree of insulation from the attacks of intellectual opponents, making it easier to publish controversial ideas.
Though, patronage had its drawbacks, as well. Galileo would have value to the Medicis only insofar as he was seen to be a great discoverer of new things and a brilliant philosopher, the doyen of his profession.
However, patronage was a two-way street and the patron expected a payback. It typically came in the form of reflected glory, the more glory, the more dazzling the reflection. And so Galileo would have to perform.
Furthermore, His performance would henceforth take place in the public realm rather than in the cloistered world of the university. Criticism of his work would become a matter for public consumption and debate, which would mean his rebuttals, would be timely and convincing.
Work Cited
Drake, Stillman. & Galilei, Galileo. Discoveries and Opinions of Galileo. Garden City, NY: Anchor Books, 1957.
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