Subject
Cosmology -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Plato
Timaeus
"Timaeus" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written around 360 BC. Through lengthy monologues, the work explores the nature of the physical universe and humanity's place within it. A divine craftsman—the demiurge—brings order from chaos, shaping the cosmos according to eternal, perfect forms. The dialogue examines why the world exists as a living, intelligent whole and how the elements were organized from primordial disorder. It also references the legendary tale of Atlantis, setting the stage for deeper cosmological speculation.
Christiaan Huygens
The celestial worlds discover'd : $b or, conjectures concerning the inhabitants, plants and productions of the worlds in the planets
"The Celestial Worlds Discover'd: Or, Conjectures Concerning the Inhabitants, Plants and Productions of the Worlds in the Planets" by Christianus Huygens is a scientific treatise written in the early 18th century. The work explores the possibility of life, plants, and the conditions of existence on other planets in our solar system, positing that other planets may have inhabitants and resources similar to those found on Earth. Huygens seeks to expand the understanding of astronomy through conjectures, building upon the Copernican model of a heliocentric universe. At the start of the book, the author reflects on mankind's place in the cosmos and the implications of Copernican astronomy. He emphasizes that if Earth is merely one of many planets orbiting the Sun, it is reasonable to conjecture that other planets may harbor similar life forms and ecosystems. Huygens articulates his thoughts as an inquiry into the properties of these celestial bodies, encouraging readers to anticipate a vast universe rich with diversity. He acknowledges that while certainty in these matters is unattainable, the pursuit of knowledge about our heavenly neighbors is a noble endeavor deserving of exploration.
Plato
Τίμαιος, Τόμος Α
"Τίμαιος, Τόμος Α" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written around 360 BC. Through the voice of Timaeus, the work explores the nature and origin of the physical universe and humanity itself. A divine craftsman—the demiurge—brings order from chaos, modeling the cosmos after eternal forms. The dialogue examines why the universe exists as a single, living, intelligent whole, and what causes both its beauty and its imperfections. This cosmic account follows Socrates' description of an ideal state and precedes the story of Atlantis.
Emanuel Swedenborg
Earths In Our Solar System Which Are Called Planets, and Earths In The Starry Heaven Their Inhabitants, And The Spirits And Angels There
"Earths In Our Solar System Which Are Called Planets, and Earths In The Starry Heaven" by Emanuel Swedenborg is a scientific publication that likely originated in the late 19th century. The work explores the existence of other worlds beyond Earth, detailing not only the characteristics of these planets, such as Mercury and Jupiter but also the nature of their inhabitants and their spiritual interactions. The book delves into Swedenborg’s mystical experiences and conversations with both spirits and angels concerning the divine and the structure of the universe. The opening of the book reveals Swedenborg's claims of having interacted with spirits from various celestial bodies. He recounts his experiences of learning about the inhabitants of these other worlds, their customs, and their divine worship practices based on dialogue with spirits he encountered. He posits that it is rational to believe in the existence of multiple inhabited worlds within the universe, explaining the scientific and spiritual mechanisms that connect them. This section sets the foundation for Swedenborg's detailed explorations of individual planets and their ethereal qualities; it piques the curiosity of readers interested in metaphysical discussions about spirituality and the nature of creation.
Thomas Burnet
The sacred theory of the Earth, Volume 1 (of 2) : $b Containing an account of the original of the Earth, and of all the general changes which it hath already undergone, or is to undergo, till the consummation of all things.
"The Sacred Theory of the Earth" by Thomas Burnet is a scientific exploration written in the early 18th century. This text delves into the origins of the Earth, examining major geological events, including the Deluge, and outlines the processes that have shaped the planet over time. The work is structured into two volumes, where the first focuses on past geological changes, particularly the stories of Paradise and the Deluge, while hinting at future transformations, including the eventual conflagration and new heavens. The opening of the narrative introduces the author's ambitious goal to investigate both the origin and the significant alterations the Earth has undergone. Burnet emphasizes the necessity of understanding these elements to grasp the divine providence governing nature and humanity's place within it. He asserts that existing philosophies fall short of adequately explaining the Universal Deluge, prompting a re-evaluation of the commonly accepted accounts. This exploration promises to challenge prevailing notions and encourage a deeper consideration of geological and scriptural interpretations.
Thomas Burnet
The sacred theory of the Earth, Volume 2 (of 2) : $b Containing an account of the original of the Earth, and of all the general changes which it hath already undergone, or is to undergo, till the consummation of all things.
"The sacred theory of the Earth, Volume 2 (of 2) : Containing an account of the…." by Thomas Burnet is a theological and natural-philosophical treatise written in the early 18th century. It investigates the prophesied burning of the present world, the natural and scriptural grounds for that event, and the subsequent “new heavens and new earth.” Framing the current Earth as a ruin to be purified and refashioned, it argues for a paradisiacal renewal and treats the Millennium and the future state of humankind. The opening of this volume presents a courtly dedication that contrasts the grandeur of earthly dominion with the promised second Paradise after a purifying fire, followed by a preface that sets the aim: to explain the conflagration’s extent, causes, and manner, and the world’s renovation, in line with St. Peter and under Providence. An outline lists chapters on ancient testimonies, timing, causes and materials of the last fire, its progress, preceding signs, and then the birth, form, and inhabitants of the renewed world and the Millennium. The early chapters clarify that “world” means the sublunary Earth (not the heavens), that matter is not annihilated but its form dissolved, and that both classical authorities (especially the Stoics, with echoes from older Eastern traditions like the Phoenix emblem) and Scripture affirm a final judgment by fire. The text then argues the time cannot be fixed by astronomy or planetary conjunctions, critiques the “Great Year” and offers a natural reinterpretation of it, and notes that chronologies (sacred and profane) are uncertain. Turning to prophecy, it reviews the Jewish six-thousand-year tradition embraced by early Christian writers, yet shows how dating disagreements misled some to think the end was near, and concludes that apocalyptic periods (e.g., 1260 days) are indecisive without secure starting points. Overall, these opening sections establish the scope, sources, and method: reasoned inquiry anchored in Scripture, skeptical of astrological determinism, and cautious about timing while confident in the event and its redemptive purpose.
Plato
Τίμαιος, Τόμος Β
"Τίμαιος, Τόμος Β" by Plato is a philosophical dialogue written around 360 BC. Through long monologues by the character Timaeus, the work explores the nature of the physical world and human existence. Timaeus describes how a divine craftsman—the demiurge—created the universe by bringing order to chaos, using eternal and perfect forms as a template. The dialogue distinguishes between the changing physical world and the unchanging eternal realm, examining the cosmos as a living, intelligent creature shaped by purpose and design.
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