Regiomontanus

Although Regiomontanus died in 1476, the Epitome was not published for another twenty years, when it set the young Copernicus thinking.

The question I ask is not ‘Were Regiomontanus and Hobbes right about mathematics?’ but ‘How did their understanding of mathematics help lay the groundwork for reliable scientific knowledge?’

Regiomontanus had a very picturesque career, finally taking up his residence in Nuremberg, where a wealthy citizen named Walther became his patron, pupil, and collaborator.

This Johannus Regiomontanus, a Franconian, has proved, with a skill hitherto equalled only by that of those who proved the ninth sphere, which travels from west to east.

The invitation was accepted on condition that his pupil Regiomontanus should go with him.