Copernicus among the Slovenians

Abstract

In his text, the author describes the early Copernican ideas noted in the catalogues of Ljubljana libraries and bookstores. The library of the Ljubljana Lords of Auersperg, Mayr’s Sales Catalogue of 1678, and the books of the Ljubljana Jesuits are discussed. Although most of the sources cited belong to the era after the trial of Galileo, they nevertheless prove that Ljubljana scholars indeed participated in the exchange of ideas that took place in those days. Research was conducted in the astronomy section of the Auersperg’s library and the contents and meaning of particular books were analysed. The material gathered from this library became the foundation for the author’s assessment of the Auerspergs’ scientific ideas, and most importantly their opinion on Copernicus. The Ljubljana Jesuits and their library were also supported by the Auerspergs. The narration culminates at the previously unknown fact that the Ljubljana Jesuits owned the famous second edition of Copernicus (1566), which today can be found in the National and University Library of Ljubljana.