{"id":612,"date":"2026-10-03T15:31:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-03T15:31:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/?page_id=612"},"modified":"2026-10-03T15:33:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T15:33:28","slug":"galileo-galilei-philosopher-mathematician-instrument-maker-available-for-commission","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/","title":{"rendered":"Galileo Galilei \u2013 Philosopher, Mathematician &#038; Instrument Maker, available for commission"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8hl-AfqvHR\"] { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 96px; min-height: min(80vh, 760px); box-sizing: border-box; background: linear-gradient(270deg, rgba(12,18,34,.95) 0%, rgba(12,18,34,.8) 40%, rgba(12,18,34,.15) 66%, rgba(12,18,34,0) 100%), url(https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-hero-loggia.webp) 12% center \/ cover no-repeat; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8hl-AfqvHR\"] { background: linear-gradient(270deg, rgba(12,18,34,.95) 0%, rgba(12,18,34,.85) 60%, rgba(12,18,34,.35) 100%), url(https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-hero-loggia.webp) 20% center \/ cover no-repeat; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8hl-AfqvHR\"] { padding-block: 300px 56px; min-height: auto; background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgba(12,18,34,1) 0%, rgba(12,18,34,.92) 55%, rgba(12,18,34,.2) 80%, rgba(12,18,34,0) 100%), url(https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-hero-loggia.webp) 22% top \/ auto 420px no-repeat, #0C1222; } }<\/style>\n<section id=\"top\" class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-flex mcg-flex-direction-column mcg-justify-content-center mcg-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 96px; min-height: min(80vh, 760px); box-sizing: border-box; background: linear-gradient(270deg, rgba(12,18,34,.95) 0%, rgba(12,18,34,.8) 40%, rgba(12,18,34,.15) 66%, rgba(12,18,34,0) 100%), url(https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-hero-loggia.webp) 12% center \/ cover no-repeat;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"background: linear-gradient(270deg, rgba(12,18,34,.95) 0%, rgba(12,18,34,.85) 60%, rgba(12,18,34,.35) 100%), url(https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-hero-loggia.webp) 20% center \/ cover no-repeat;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 300px 56px; min-height: auto; background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgba(12,18,34,1) 0%, rgba(12,18,34,.92) 55%, rgba(12,18,34,.2) 80%, rgba(12,18,34,0) 100%), url(https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-hero-loggia.webp) 22% top \/ auto 420px no-repeat, #0C1222;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8hl-AfqvHR\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8hl-z1shqf\"] { max-width: 540px; margin-left: auto; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8hl-z1shqf\"] { max-width: 600px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8hl-z1shqf\"] { margin-left: 0; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"max-width: 540px; margin-left: auto;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"max-width: 600px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin-left: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8hl-z1shqf\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-AB8uJ4\"] { margin: 0 0 18px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-gold wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-AB8uJ4\">Florence \u00b7 Anno Domini MDCXIII<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hGUXBl\"] { margin: 0 0 14px; }<\/style>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-display\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 14px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hGUXBl\">Galileo Galilei<\/h1>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-tHiFqE\"] { margin: 0 0 28px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-italic mcg-color-gold wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 28px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-tHiFqE\">Philosopher &amp; Mathematician to the Grand Duke of Tuscany \u2013 now accepting commissions<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-KI7s0k\"] { margin: 0 0 40px; opacity: .92; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-lead wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 40px; opacity: .92;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-KI7s0k\">Discoverer of the Medicean Stars, maker of the finest spyglasses in Christendom and defender of the Copernican system. I hold that the Sun, not the Earth, sits at the centre of the world \u2013 and I can show you why.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hTO5ZC\"] { gap: 22px; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons mcg-display-flex mcg-flex-wrap-wrap is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"gap: 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hTO5ZC\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-geX9bR\"] { outline-color: #B8892E; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button mcg-background-color-gold mcg-color-ink\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"outline-color: #B8892E;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-geX9bR\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#hire\">Engage my services<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button mcg-color-vellum\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#heliocentrism\">My case for the Sun<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ebQwKN\"] { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding: 16px max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); box-sizing: border-box; gap: 8px 20px; }<\/style>\n<aside class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vermilion mcg-color-vellum mcg-display-flex mcg-justify-content-center mcg-align-items-center mcg-flex-wrap-wrap mcg-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding: 16px max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); box-sizing: border-box; gap: 8px 20px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ebQwKN\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-knk88B\"] { margin: 0; color: #F3D58C; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; color: #F3D58C;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-knk88B\">\u2726 You are invited \u2726<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-DWh2Q1\"] { margin: 0; font-size: 19px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; font-size: 19px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-DWh2Q1\">The Grand Assembly of Astronomers \u00b7 Palazzo Pitti \u00b7 Thursday, 5 December 1613 \u00b7 <a href=\"#assembly\">Reserve a seat \u203a<\/a><\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-dEZobQ\"] { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-dEZobQ\"] { padding-block: 96px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-dEZobQ\"] { padding-block: 72px; } }<\/style>\n<section id=\"heliocentrism\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 96px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 72px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-dEZobQ\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-dA0rN4\"] { margin: 0 0 18px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion mcg-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-dA0rN4\">Caput I \u00b7 De Systemate Mundi<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-KtMqhL\"] { margin: 0 auto 18px; max-width: 1000px; font-size: 84px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-KtMqhL\"] { font-size: 62px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-KtMqhL\"] { font-size: 42px; } }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-display mcg-text-align-center\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 auto 18px; max-width: 1000px; font-size: 84px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"font-size: 62px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"font-size: 42px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-KtMqhL\">The Sun stands still. The Earth moves.<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-LEuKzB\"] { margin: 0 auto 80px; max-width: 720px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-LEuKzB\"] { margin-bottom: 48px; } }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-italic mcg-color-sepia mcg-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 auto 80px; max-width: 720px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin-bottom: 48px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-LEuKzB\">A new system of the world \u2013 proposed by Copernicus, and now confirmed by my own eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-KiWfsR\"] { grid-template-columns: 5fr 7fr; gap: 72px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-KiWfsR\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid mcg-align-items-center is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 5fr 7fr; gap: 72px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-KiWfsR\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ijrt2u\"] { margin: 0; padding: 18px; background: #FAF4E6; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: -8px; box-shadow: 0 18px 40px -24px rgba(43,33,24,.6); }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ijrt2u\"] img { width: 100%; display: block; mix-blend-mode: multiply; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ijrt2u\"] { max-width: 520px; margin-inline: auto; } }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; padding: 18px; background: #FAF4E6; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: -8px; box-shadow: 0 18px 40px -24px rgba(43,33,24,.6);\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"max-width: 520px; margin-inline: auto;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ijrt2u\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1645\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-copernicus-diagram.jpg\" alt=\"The heliocentric diagram from Copernicus, De revolutionibus, 1543\" class=\"wp-image-605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-copernicus-diagram.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-copernicus-diagram-300x257.jpg 300w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-copernicus-diagram-1024x877.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-copernicus-diagram-768x658.jpg 768w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-copernicus-diagram-1536x1316.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-OXGKxq\"] { margin: 16px 0 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small mcg-color-sepia mcg-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 16px 0 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-OXGKxq\"><em>The order of the heavens<\/em>, from Nicolaus Copernicus,<br>De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, Nuremberg 1543<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-haTarp\"] { margin: 0 0 24px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-haTarp\"]::first-letter { font-size: 88px; float: left; line-height: .8; padding: 10px 12px 0 0; color: #A8321E; font-family: im-fell-english, serif; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-lead wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 24px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-haTarp\">For two thousand years the learned have placed our Earth, motionless, at the centre of all things, and made the Sun, the planets and the fixed stars wheel about it each day. To save the appearances they piled circle upon circle until the heavens resembled a clockmaker\u2019s nightmare.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-3kMmqi\"] { margin: 0 0 32px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 32px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-3kMmqi\">The canon Copernicus proposed a simpler order: the Sun at rest in the middle, and around it, in their courses, Mercury, Venus, our Earth with its Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Since I turned my spyglass upon the sky in the autumn of 1609, every new thing I have seen agrees with him, and not with the ancients.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-Z6GOQZ\"] { margin: 0; padding: 8px 0 8px 32px; border-left: 3px solid #A8321E; }<\/style>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; padding: 8px 0 8px 32px; border-left: 3px solid #A8321E;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-Z6GOQZ\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-9AsOhl\"] { margin: 0 0 12px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-italic wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 12px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-9AsOhl\">\u201cI hold that the Sun rests at the centre, that our Earth turns upon itself once each day and travels about the Sun once each year \u2013 and my telescope has turned this from an opinion into an observation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-nyCKfz\"] { margin: 0; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-nyCKfz\">G.G. \u00b7 Letters on the Solar Spots, Rome 1613<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-eeLKUd\"] { grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 0; margin-top: 96px; border-top: 1px solid #B8892E; border-bottom: 1px solid #B8892E; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-eeLKUd\"] { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-eeLKUd\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; margin-top: 64px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 0; margin-top: 96px; border-top: 1px solid #B8892E; border-bottom: 1px solid #B8892E;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; margin-top: 64px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-eeLKUd\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-Z4UYHY\"] { padding: 36px 28px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-Z4UYHY\"] { border-right: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); padding: 28px 4px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 28px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"border-right: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); padding: 28px 4px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-Z4UYHY\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-8hUSyh\"] { margin: 0 0 12px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-numeral mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 12px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-8hUSyh\">I<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ovKdzJ\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ovKdzJ\">Four moons circle Jupiter<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-bDRgGQ\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-bDRgGQ\">Seen January 1610. If four stars go round Jupiter, then plainly not everything in the heavens goes round the Earth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-5BPdAW\"] { padding: 36px 28px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-5BPdAW\"] { border-right: 0; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-5BPdAW\"] { border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); padding: 28px 4px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 28px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5);\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"border-right: 0;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); padding: 28px 4px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-5BPdAW\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-zxepqL\"] { margin: 0 0 12px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-numeral mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 12px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-zxepqL\">II<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-3YUDUi\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-3YUDUi\">Venus wears phases like the Moon<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-iUtodl\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-iUtodl\">Seen autumn 1610: full, half and horned. This can only be if Venus goes round the Sun.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-4S9keu\"] { padding: 36px 28px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-4S9keu\"] { border-top: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-4S9keu\"] { border-right: 0; border-top: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); padding: 28px 4px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 28px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5);\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"border-top: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"border-right: 0; border-top: 0; border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); padding: 28px 4px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-4S9keu\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hKtKE1\"] { margin: 0 0 12px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-numeral mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 12px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hKtKE1\">III<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-5zV6yW\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-5zV6yW\">The Sun has spots \u2013 and turns<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-QMpmyu\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-QMpmyu\">Followed day by day in 1612. The heavens are not perfect and changeless, and the Sun spins upon itself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-obd8jR\"] { padding: 36px 28px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-obd8jR\"] { border-top: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5); } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-obd8jR\"] { border-top: 0; padding: 28px 4px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 28px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"border-top: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.5);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"border-top: 0; padding: 28px 4px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-obd8jR\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-La6L7u\"] { margin: 0 0 12px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-numeral mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 12px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-La6L7u\">IV<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ktA7qh\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-ktA7qh\">The Moon has mountains<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-9HWLEI\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-9HWLEI\">Seen in 1609. The heavenly bodies are made of stuff much like our own Earth \u2013 so why should the Earth not wander among them?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-AcbOhE\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 48px; margin-top: 96px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-AcbOhE\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-AcbOhE\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 32px; margin-top: 64px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid mcg-align-items-center is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr; gap: 48px; margin-top: 96px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 32px; margin-top: 64px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-AcbOhE\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-VjnLN4\"] { padding: 32px; border: 1px solid rgba(43,33,24,.25); background: rgba(43,33,24,.04); }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 32px; border: 1px solid rgba(43,33,24,.25); background: rgba(43,33,24,.04);\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-VjnLN4\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-sZI6P3\"] { margin: 0 0 12px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 12px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-sZI6P3\">The old system \u00b7 Ptolemy<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-2MQyDn\"] { margin: 0; text-decoration: line-through; text-decoration-color: rgba(168,50,30,.55); }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; text-decoration: line-through; text-decoration-color: rgba(168,50,30,.55);\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-2MQyDn\">The Earth fixed at the centre. Sun, Moon, planets and the sphere of stars all whirling about it every day, with epicycles upon epicycles to explain why the planets sometimes walk backwards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-dDubPg\"] { padding: 32px; border: 2px solid #B8892E; background: #FAF4E6; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 32px; border: 2px solid #B8892E; background: #FAF4E6;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-dDubPg\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-mkkCNP\"] { margin: 0 0 12px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 12px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-mkkCNP\">The true system \u00b7 Copernicus<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-F3McoD\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-F3McoD\">The Sun at rest in the middle. Around it in order: Mercury, Venus, the Earth with its Moon, Mars, Jupiter with its four Medicean Stars, and slow Saturn. Backward wanderings explained at a stroke \u2013 we simply overtake the outer planets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-FygLRK\"] { margin: 0; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: 6px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-FygLRK\"] img { width: 100%; display: block; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-FygLRK\"] { grid-column: 1 \/ -1; max-width: 520px; justify-self: center; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-FygLRK\"] { grid-column: auto; } }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: 6px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-column: 1 \/ -1; max-width: 520px; justify-self: center;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-column: auto;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-FygLRK\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-orrery.webp\" alt=\"A gilded orrery with the Sun at its centre\" class=\"wp-image-602\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-orrery.webp 1024w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-orrery-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-orrery-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-orrery-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-gomenO\"] { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; background-image: radial-gradient(1px 1px at 12% 22%, rgba(255,255,255,.8), transparent), radial-gradient(1px 1px at 68% 14%, rgba(255,255,255,.7), transparent), radial-gradient(1.5px 1.5px at 84% 62%, rgba(243,213,140,.9), transparent), radial-gradient(1px 1px at 32% 78%, rgba(255,255,255,.6), transparent), radial-gradient(1px 1px at 52% 44%, rgba(255,255,255,.5), transparent), radial-gradient(1.2px 1.2px at 92% 88%, rgba(255,255,255,.7), transparent); }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-gomenO\"] { padding-block: 96px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-gomenO\"] { padding-block: 72px; } }<\/style>\n<section id=\"discoveries\" class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-night mcg-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; background-image: radial-gradient(1px 1px at 12% 22%, rgba(255,255,255,.8), transparent), radial-gradient(1px 1px at 68% 14%, rgba(255,255,255,.7), transparent), radial-gradient(1.5px 1.5px at 84% 62%, rgba(243,213,140,.9), transparent), radial-gradient(1px 1px at 32% 78%, rgba(255,255,255,.6), transparent), radial-gradient(1px 1px at 52% 44%, rgba(255,255,255,.5), transparent), radial-gradient(1.2px 1.2px at 92% 88%, rgba(255,255,255,.7), transparent);\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 96px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 72px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-gomenO\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-nUHQVy\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 32px 72px; margin-bottom: 64px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-nUHQVy\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-nUHQVy\"] { margin-bottom: 40px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid mcg-align-items-flex-end is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 32px 72px; margin-bottom: 64px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin-bottom: 40px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-nUHQVy\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-V4HUmI\"] { margin: 0 0 18px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-gold wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-V4HUmI\">Caput II \u00b7 Sidereus Nuncius<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-DbjnY3\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-2\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-DbjnY3\">What my telescope has shown<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-YxFyJa\"] { margin: 0; opacity: .88; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; opacity: .88;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-YxFyJa\">In March of 1610 I published The Starry Messenger, recounting sights no mortal had seen before. Here are pages from my own notebooks \u2013 not copies, not engravings by another hand, but the drawings I made at the eyepiece.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hrGQlb\"] { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 32px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hrGQlb\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hrGQlb\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 32px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-hrGQlb\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8iz-JzBqxC\"] { margin: 0 0 20px; padding: 10px; background: #FAF4E6; overflow: hidden; aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1; box-sizing: border-box; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8iz-JzBqxC\"] img { width: 200%; max-width: none; height: auto; margin-top: -30%; display: block; }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 20px; padding: 10px; background: #FAF4E6; overflow: hidden; aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1; box-sizing: border-box;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8iz-JzBqxC\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"904\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-moon-sketches.jpg\" alt=\"Galileo\u2019s own wash drawings of the Moon, 1609\" class=\"wp-image-607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-moon-sketches.jpg 1064w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-moon-sketches-300x255.jpg 300w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-moon-sketches-1024x870.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-moon-sketches-768x653.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1064px) 100vw, 1064px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-5YY6DC\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-gold wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-5YY6DC\">Padua \u00b7 1609<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-K6wHjt\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-K6wHjt\">The Moon is rugged<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-vyZ03P\"] { margin: 0; opacity: .85; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; opacity: .85;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-vyZ03P\">Not a polished crystal sphere but a world of mountains and valleys, their shadows lengthening as the Sun sets upon them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-mFCjKx\"] { margin: 0 0 20px; padding: 10px; background: #FAF4E6; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-mFCjKx\"] img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1; object-fit: cover; object-position: center 30%; display: block; }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 20px; padding: 10px; background: #FAF4E6;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-mFCjKx\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"920\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-jupiter-notes.jpg\" alt=\"Galileo\u2019s notes on the moons of Jupiter, January 1610\" class=\"wp-image-608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-jupiter-notes.jpg 600w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-jupiter-notes-196x300.jpg 196w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-eDzz37\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-gold wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-eDzz37\">Padua \u00b7 January 1610<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-4U4WaL\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-4U4WaL\">The Medicean Stars<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-WWvtPw\"] { margin: 0; opacity: .85; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; opacity: .85;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-WWvtPw\">Four little stars that dance about Jupiter night after night. I named them for the House of Medici \u2013 and they have served me well.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-VVQdhw\"] { grid-column: 1 \/ -1; max-width: 560px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-VVQdhw\"] { grid-column: auto; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-column: 1 \/ -1; max-width: 560px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-column: auto;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-VVQdhw\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-bExVFm\"] { margin: 0 0 20px; padding: 10px; background: #FAF4E6; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-bExVFm\"] img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 1 \/ 1; object-fit: cover; display: block; }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 20px; padding: 10px; background: #FAF4E6;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-bExVFm\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-sunspots.jpg\" alt=\"Sunspots recorded by Galileo\" class=\"wp-image-609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-sunspots.jpg 800w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-sunspots-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-sunspots-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-sunspots-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-8JpwJD\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-gold wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-8JpwJD\">Villa delle Selve \u00b7 1612<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-EKr6S0\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-EKr6S0\">Spots upon the Sun<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-9LJ01r\"] { margin: 0; opacity: .85; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; opacity: .85;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-9LJ01r\">Projected safely onto paper and drawn each day: dark spots that travel across the face of the Sun as it turns. Published this very year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-LT4kmx\"] { margin: 72px auto 0; max-width: 900px; padding-top: 32px; border-top: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.4); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-LT4kmx\"] { margin-top: 48px; } }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-italic mcg-color-gold mcg-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 72px auto 0; max-width: 900px; padding-top: 32px; border-top: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.4);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin-top: 48px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8b7-LT4kmx\">Also observed: the Milky Way is a multitude of stars \u00b7 Saturn appears three-bodied \u00b7 Venus waxes and wanes<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv\"] { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv\"] { padding-block: 96px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv\"] { padding-block: 72px; } }<\/style>\n<section id=\"inventions\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 96px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 72px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-eb\"] { margin: 0 0 18px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-eb\">Caput III \u00b7 Inventa et Machinae<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-h\"] { margin: 0 0 64px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-h\"] { margin-bottom: 40px; } }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-2\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 64px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin-bottom: 40px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-h\">Inventions &amp; innovations<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-r1\"] { grid-template-columns: 5fr 7fr; gap: 72px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-r1\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid mcg-align-items-center is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 5fr 7fr; gap: 72px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-r1\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-i1\"] { margin: 0; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: 6px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-i1\"] img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4 \/ 3; object-fit: cover; object-position: center 35%; display: block; }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-i1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2084\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-bertini-doge.jpg\" alt=\"Galileo showing the Doge of Venice how to use the telescope, fresco by Giuseppe Bertini\" class=\"wp-image-610\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-bertini-doge.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-bertini-doge-276x300.jpg 276w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-bertini-doge-943x1024.jpg 943w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-bertini-doge-768x834.jpg 768w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-bertini-doge-1415x1536.jpg 1415w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-bertini-doge-1887x2048.jpg 1887w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-c1\"] { margin: 16px 0 0; font-style: italic; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 16px 0 0; font-style: italic;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-c1\">Demonstrating the telescope to the Doge of Venice \u2013 as later imagined in fresco by Giuseppe Bertini<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-d1\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-d1\">Venice \u00b7 August 1609<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-h1\"] { margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 44px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-h1\"] { font-size: 32px; } }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-2\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 44px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"font-size: 32px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-h1\">The perfected telescope<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-p1\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-p1\">In the summer of 1609 I heard of a Dutch spyglass that made distant things seem near. Having reasoned out its principle, I ground my own lenses, and on the 21st of August I led the gentlemen of the Venetian Senate up the bell tower of San Marco to watch ships at sea two hours before any eye could find them. The Senate doubled my salary. My instruments now magnify twenty times.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-r2\"] { grid-template-columns: 7fr 5fr; gap: 72px; margin-top: 96px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-r2\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px; margin-top: 72px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid mcg-align-items-center is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 7fr 5fr; gap: 72px; margin-top: 96px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 40px; margin-top: 72px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-r2\"><style>@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-t2\"] { order: 2; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"order: 2;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-t2\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-d2\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-d2\">Padua \u00b7 1597<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-h2\"] { margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 44px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-h2\"] { font-size: 32px; } }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-2\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 44px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"font-size: 32px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-h2\">The geometric &amp; military compass<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-p2\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-p2\">A brass instrument of two hinged arms engraved with my scales, by which a gunner sets the elevation of his piece, a surveyor measures a field from afar and a merchant converts one currency into another \u2013 all without a page of arithmetic. Described in my printed manual of 1606 and sold, with lessons, to princes from Mantua to Bohemia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-i2\"] { margin: 0; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: 6px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-i2\"] img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4 \/ 3; object-fit: cover; display: block; }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-i2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1081\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-compass.jpg\" alt=\"Galileo\u2019s geometrical and military compass\" class=\"wp-image-606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-compass.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-compass-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-compass-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-compass-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-compass-1536x865.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-c2\"] { margin: 16px 0 0; font-style: italic; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 16px 0 0; font-style: italic;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-c2\">An original compass of my design (photograph: Sage Ross, CC BY-SA 3.0)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-grid\"] { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 32px; margin-top: 112px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-grid\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; margin-top: 80px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-grid\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 24px; margin-top: 64px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 32px; margin-top: 112px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; margin-top: 80px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 24px; margin-top: 64px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-grid\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k1\"] { border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); padding: 14px 14px 28px; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); padding: 14px 14px 28px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k1\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k1i\"] { margin: 0 0 22px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k1i\"] img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4 \/ 3; object-fit: cover; object-position: center 20%; display: block; }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k1i\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-tower.webp\" alt=\"Two iron balls dropped together from the Leaning Tower of Pisa\" class=\"wp-image-600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-tower.webp 960w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-tower-240x300.webp 240w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-tower-819x1024.webp 819w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-tower-768x960.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k1h\"] { margin: 0 10px 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 10px 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k1h\">Heavy and light fall together<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k1p\"] { margin: 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k1p\">Aristotle says the heavier body falls faster. It does not. Drop two balls of iron, great and small, and hear them strike the ground as one.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k2\"] { border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); padding: 14px 14px 28px; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); padding: 14px 14px 28px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k2\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k2i\"] { margin: 0 0 22px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k2i\"] img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4 \/ 3; object-fit: cover; display: block; }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k2i\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1344\" height=\"896\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-pendulum.webp\" alt=\"A scholar timing the swinging lamp in Pisa cathedral\" class=\"wp-image-601\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-pendulum.webp 1344w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-pendulum-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-pendulum-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-pisa-pendulum-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1344px) 100vw, 1344px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k2h\"] { margin: 0 10px 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 10px 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k2h\">The pendulum keeps time<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k2p\"] { margin: 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k2p\">As a student in Pisa cathedral I timed a swinging lamp against my pulse: wide swing or narrow, each beat took the same time. A clock waiting to be built.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3\"] { border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); padding: 14px 14px 28px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3\"] { grid-column: 1 \/ -1; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3\"] { grid-column: auto; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); padding: 14px 14px 28px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-column: 1 \/ -1;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-column: auto;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3i\"] { margin: 0 0 22px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3i\"] img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4 \/ 3; object-fit: cover; object-position: center bottom; display: block; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3i\"] img { aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 7; } }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3i\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1344\" height=\"896\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-workshop.webp\" alt=\"Galileo grinding lenses in his candlelit workshop with an apprentice\" class=\"wp-image-599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-workshop.webp 1344w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-workshop-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-workshop-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-workshop-768x512.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1344px) 100vw, 1344px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3h\"] { margin: 0 10px 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 10px 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3h\">Lenses by my own hand<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3p\"] { margin: 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-k3p\">Of every hundred lenses I grind, perhaps ten are worthy of the heavens. Those ten are the ones I sell.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-list\"] { grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 32px; margin-top: 56px; padding-top: 40px; border-top: 1px solid #B8892E; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-list\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-list\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 24px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 32px; margin-top: 56px; padding-top: 40px; border-top: 1px solid #B8892E;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 24px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-list\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l1a\"] { margin: 0 0 6px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l1a\">1586<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l1b\"] { margin: 0 0 6px; }<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-4\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l1b\">La Bilancetta<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l1c\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l1c\">A little hydrostatic balance to tell true gold from false, after Archimedes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l2a\"] { margin: 0 0 6px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l2a\">c. 1593<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l2b\"] { margin: 0 0 6px; }<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-4\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l2b\">The thermoscope<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l2c\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l2c\">A glass bulb and a column of water that rises and falls with heat and cold.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l3a\"] { margin: 0 0 6px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l3a\">1594<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l3b\"] { margin: 0 0 6px; }<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-4\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l3b\">A machine for raising water<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l3c\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l3c\">Worked by a single horse, protected by patent of the Venetian Senate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l4a\"] { margin: 0 0 6px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l4a\">1612<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l4b\"] { margin: 0 0 6px; }<\/style>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-4\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 6px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l4b\">A clock in the sky<\/h4>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l4c\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-l4c\">Tables of the Medicean Stars by which a ship may find its longitude. Offered to the King of Spain.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire\"] { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; border-block: 4px double #B8892E; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire\"] { padding-block: 96px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire\"] { padding-block: 72px; } }<\/style>\n<section id=\"hire\" class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; border-block: 4px double #B8892E;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 96px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 72px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-eb\"] { margin: 0 0 18px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion mcg-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-eb\">Caput IV \u00b7 Ad Conducendum<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-h\"] { margin: 0 auto 20px; }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-2 mcg-text-align-center\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 auto 20px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-h\">A philosopher for hire<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-l\"] { margin: 0 auto 72px; max-width: 760px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-l\"] { margin-bottom: 48px; } }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-lead mcg-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 auto 72px; max-width: 760px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin-bottom: 48px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-l\">Though bound first to His Serene Highness the Grand Duke, I accept commissions from noble houses, republics, academies and curious gentlemen \u2013 in Tuscany, the Venetian lands and the Papal States, travel by arrangement.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-svc\"] { grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 0; border-top: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-left: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-svc\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-svc\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr); gap: 0; border-top: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-left: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6);\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-svc\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s1\"] { padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s1\"] { padding: 28px 22px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 28px 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s1\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s1h\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s1h\">Telescopes made to order<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s1p\"] { margin: 0 0 16px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 16px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s1p\">Twenty-power instruments of my own grinding, in tubes of leather and gilt. Delivered with a lesson in their use.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s1f\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s1f\">From 30 scudi<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s2\"] { padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s2\"] { padding: 28px 22px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 28px 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s2\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s2h\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s2h\">Private instruction<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s2p\"] { margin: 0 0 16px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 16px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s2p\">Mathematics, mechanics, fortification and the use of the sphere. Board and lodging for young noblemen at my house.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s2f\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s2f\">By the season<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s3\"] { padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s3\"] { padding: 28px 22px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 28px 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s3\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s3h\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s3h\">Compasses with manual<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s3p\"] { margin: 0 0 16px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 16px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s3p\">The geometric and military compass in brass, with my printed manual and one hour of instruction.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s3f\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s3f\">8 scudi<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s4\"] { padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s4\"] { padding: 28px 22px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 28px 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s4\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s4h\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s4h\">Engineering counsel<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s4p\"] { margin: 0 0 16px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 16px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s4p\">Raising water, mills, the oars of galleys and the strength of beams \u2013 as I once advised the Arsenal of Venice.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s4f\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s4f\">By the day<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s5\"] { padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); background: #14213D; color: #FAF4E6; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s5\"] { padding: 28px 22px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); background: #14213D; color: #FAF4E6;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 28px 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s5\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s5h\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s5h\">An evening of wonders<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s5p\"] { margin: 0 0 16px; opacity: .9; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 16px; opacity: .9;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s5p\">For your court or garden: Jupiter\u2019s moons, the mountains of the Moon and the horns of Venus, with telescopes for every guest.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s5f\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-gold wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s5f\">Most requested<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s6\"] { padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s6\"] { padding: 28px 22px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 36px 32px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 28px 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s6\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s6h\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s6h\">Nativities &amp; almanacs<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s6p\"] { margin: 0 0 16px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 16px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s6p\">Horoscopes cast for patrons who still enjoy them. The planets, I assure you, are none the worse for being consulted.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s6f\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-s6f\">Upon request<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-foot\"] { gap: 24px 40px; margin-top: 48px; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-flex mcg-justify-content-space-between mcg-align-items-center mcg-flex-wrap-wrap is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"gap: 24px 40px; margin-top: 48px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-foot\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-terms\"] { margin: 0; max-width: 760px; font-style: italic; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; max-width: 760px; font-style: italic;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-terms\">Fees in Florentine scudi or Venetian ducats, half on commission and half on delivery. Commissions from the Most Serene Republic are especially welcome \u2013 I remember my eighteen years at Padua with great fondness.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-btns\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-btns\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-b\"] { outline-color: #A8321E; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button mcg-background-color-vermilion mcg-color-vellum\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"outline-color: #A8321E;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-hire-b\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#contact\">Write to me<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat\"] { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat\"] { padding-block: 96px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat\"] { padding-block: 72px; } }<\/style>\n<section id=\"patrons\" class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 96px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 72px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-eb\"] { margin: 0 0 18px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-eb\">Caput V \u00b7 Testimonia<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-h\"] { margin: 0 0 64px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-h\"] { margin-bottom: 40px; } }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-2\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 64px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin-bottom: 40px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-h\">From the letters of my patrons<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-grid\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 40px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-grid\"] { gap: 28px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-grid\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 28px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 40px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"gap: 28px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 28px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-grid\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p1\"] { padding: 44px 40px 36px; border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.7); box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.7); position: relative; transform: rotate(-.6deg); }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p1\"]::after { content: ''; position: absolute; right: 28px; bottom: -18px; width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50%; background: radial-gradient(circle at 40% 35%, #C9503A, #8E2414 70%); box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 5px rgba(0,0,0,.12); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p1\"] { padding: 32px 24px 30px; transform: none; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 44px 40px 36px; border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.7); box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.7); position: relative; transform: rotate(-.6deg);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 32px 24px 30px; transform: none;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p1\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p1q\"] { margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 23px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p1q\"] { font-size: 20px; } }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-italic wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 23px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"font-size: 20px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p1q\">\u201cSignor Galilei\u2019s spyglass showed me my husband\u2019s galleys rounding the cape two full hours before the harbour bell. I have ordered three more \u2013 one for my husband, and two to keep an eye on him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p1n\"] { margin: 0; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p1n\">Ortensia, Marchesa di Valfiorita \u00b7 Livorno<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p2\"] { padding: 44px 40px 36px; border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.7); box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.7); position: relative; transform: rotate(.5deg); margin-top: 40px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p2\"]::after { content: ''; position: absolute; right: 28px; bottom: -18px; width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50%; background: radial-gradient(circle at 40% 35%, #C9503A, #8E2414 70%); box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 5px rgba(0,0,0,.12); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p2\"] { padding: 32px 24px 30px; transform: none; margin-top: 0; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 44px 40px 36px; border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.7); box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.7); position: relative; transform: rotate(.5deg); margin-top: 40px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 32px 24px 30px; transform: none; margin-top: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p2\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p2q\"] { margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 23px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p2q\"] { font-size: 20px; } }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-italic wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 23px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"font-size: 20px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p2q\">\u201cWith his compass our engineers laid out the new bastions in a fortnight. The previous engineer had taken a year, and is now, I believe, a contented farmer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p2n\"] { margin: 0; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p2n\">Count Ottavio Bellamonte \u00b7 Lord of Montecastro<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p3\"] { padding: 44px 40px 36px; border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.7); box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.7); position: relative; transform: rotate(.4deg); }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p3\"]::after { content: ''; position: absolute; right: 28px; bottom: -18px; width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50%; background: radial-gradient(circle at 40% 35%, #C9503A, #8E2414 70%); box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 5px rgba(0,0,0,.12); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p3\"] { padding: 32px 24px 30px; transform: none; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 44px 40px 36px; border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.7); box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.7); position: relative; transform: rotate(.4deg);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 32px 24px 30px; transform: none;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p3\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p3q\"] { margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 23px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p3q\"] { font-size: 20px; } }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-italic wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 23px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"font-size: 20px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p3q\">\u201cHe taught my nephews more geometry in one Paduan winter than their tutors managed in four. They now correct me at dinner, which I count as progress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p3n\"] { margin: 0; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p3n\">Anselm, Prince-Bishop of Hohenwald<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p4\"] { padding: 44px 40px 36px; border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.7); box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.7); position: relative; transform: rotate(-.4deg); margin-top: 40px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p4\"]::after { content: ''; position: absolute; right: 28px; bottom: -18px; width: 44px; height: 44px; border-radius: 50%; background: radial-gradient(circle at 40% 35%, #C9503A, #8E2414 70%); box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 5px rgba(0,0,0,.12); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p4\"] { padding: 32px 24px 30px; transform: none; margin-top: 0; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 44px 40px 36px; border: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.7); box-shadow: 0 20px 40px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.7); position: relative; transform: rotate(-.4deg); margin-top: 40px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 32px 24px 30px; transform: none; margin-top: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p4\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p4q\"] { margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 23px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p4q\"] { font-size: 20px; } }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-italic wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 23px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"font-size: 20px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p4q\">\u201cHis evening of wonders in our garden: forty guests, four moons of Jupiter, and not one soul spoke of anything else until Lent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p4n\"] { margin: 0; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-p4n\">Do\u00f1a Leonor de Alc\u00e1zar, Duchess of Valdeluna<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-note\"] { margin: 72px 0 0; font-style: italic; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small mcg-color-sepia mcg-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 72px 0 0; font-style: italic;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-pat-note\">Further references gladly furnished upon request, under seal.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-as\"] { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-as\"] { padding-block: 96px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-as\"] { padding-block: 72px; } }<\/style>\n<section id=\"assembly\" class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-night mcg-color-vellum is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 96px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 72px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-as\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-as-eb\"] { margin: 0 0 18px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-gold mcg-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-as-eb\">Caput VI \u00b7 Invitatio<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-as-h\"] { margin: 0 auto 64px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-as-h\"] { margin-bottom: 40px; } }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-2 mcg-text-align-center\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 auto 64px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin-bottom: 40px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-as-h\">You are cordially invited<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8js-fAaTcp\"] { grid-template-columns: 6fr 6fr; gap: 64px; align-items: start; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8js-fAaTcp\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 6fr 6fr; gap: 64px; align-items: start;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8js-fAaTcp\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8js-9aQUXB\"] { margin: 0; position: sticky; top: 120px; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: 8px; }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8js-9aQUXB\"] img { width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4 \/ 5; object-fit: cover; object-position: 62% center; display: block; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8js-9aQUXB\"] { position: static; margin-inline: 8px; } }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8js-9aQUXB\"] img { aspect-ratio: 16 \/ 10; } }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; position: sticky; top: 120px; border: 1px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: 8px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"position: static; margin-inline: 8px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"mcgcs-tmc8js-9aQUXB\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1456\" height=\"816\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-conference.webp\" alt=\"A candlelit hall of astronomers and nobles with telescopes and a diagram of the planets around the Sun\" class=\"wp-image-603\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-conference.webp 1456w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-conference-300x168.webp 300w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-conference-1024x574.webp 1024w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-conference-768x430.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1456px) 100vw, 1456px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-card\"] { padding: 56px 48px; border: 2px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: -12px; box-shadow: 0 30px 60px -30px rgba(0,0,0,.8); }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-card\"] { padding: 40px 26px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-background-color-vellum mcg-color-ink mcg-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 56px 48px; border: 2px solid #B8892E; outline: 1px solid #B8892E; outline-offset: -12px; box-shadow: 0 30px 60px -30px rgba(0,0,0,.8);\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding: 40px 26px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-inv-card\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-a\"] { margin: 0 0 22px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 22px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-a\">The First Grand Assembly of Astronomers &amp; Natural Philosophers<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-b\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; font-style: italic; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px; font-style: italic;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-b\">Signor Galileo Galilei will present<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-c\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 34px; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-c\"] { font-size: 27px; } }<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-3\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 34px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"font-size: 27px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-c\">On the Motion of the Earth and the Stillness of the Sun<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-d\"] { margin: 0 0 28px; font-style: italic; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 28px; font-style: italic;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-d\">with demonstrations by telescope upon the terrace, the heavens permitting<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-e\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; padding-block: 18px; border-block: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6); }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-h-4 wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px; padding-block: 18px; border-block: 1px solid rgba(184,137,46,.6);\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-e\">Thursday, the 5th of December, 1613<br>at the first hour after sunset<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-f\"] { margin: 10px 0 28px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 10px 0 28px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-f\">The Great Hall of the Palazzo Pitti, Florence, by gracious leave of His Serene Highness Cosimo II de\u2019 Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-g\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-g\">Order of the evening<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-h\"] { margin: 0 0 28px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 28px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-h\">First hour \u00b7 Sweet wine and candied fruits<br>Second hour \u00b7 The lecture, with diagrams<br>Third hour \u00b7 Jupiter and its four Medicean Stars, by telescope in the Boboli Garden<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-i\"] { margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-i\">Expected in attendance<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-j\"] { margin: 0 0 32px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 32px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-j\">Prince Federico Cesi, founder of the Lincean Academy \u00b7 Father Benedetto Castelli of Pisa \u00b7 Signor Johannes Kepler, Imperial Mathematician (by letter, should the Alpine passes close) \u00b7 the ambassadors of Venice and Spain \u00b7 the Marchesa di Valfiorita \u00b7 Count Bellamonte \u00b7 and the mysterious <em>Apelles<\/em> of Augsburg, author of three letters on the solar spots \u2013 should he dare to remove his mask<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-k\"] { margin: 0 0 28px; font-style: italic; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 28px; font-style: italic;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-k\">Forty seats only. Kindly reply by letter before the Feast of Saint Andrew, the 30th of November.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-btns\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons mcg-display-flex mcg-justify-content-center is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-btns\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-b1\"] { outline-color: #14213D; }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button mcg-background-color-night mcg-color-vellum\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"outline-color: #14213D;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-iv-b1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#contact\">Reserve a seat<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct\"] { width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; grid-template-columns: 4fr 8fr; gap: 72px; }\n@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; padding-block: 96px; } }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct\"] { padding-block: 72px; } }<\/style>\n<section id=\"contact\" class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid mcg-align-items-center is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"width: 100vw; margin-inline: calc(50% - 50vw); margin-top: 0; padding-inline: max(var(--m1), calc(50vw - 720px + var(--m1))); padding-block: 128px; box-sizing: border-box; grid-template-columns: 4fr 8fr; gap: 72px;\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 48px; padding-block: 96px;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"padding-block: 72px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct\"><style>@container (max-width: 1023px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-l\"] { max-width: 380px; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-md-mcg-custom-styles=\"max-width: 380px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-l\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-img\"] { margin: 0; padding: 14px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #D9B25E, #8C6420 50%, #D9B25E); box-shadow: 0 24px 50px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.8); }\n[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-img\"] img { width: 100%; display: block; border: 2px solid #2B2118; }<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0; padding: 14px; background: linear-gradient(135deg, #D9B25E, #8C6420 50%, #D9B25E); box-shadow: 0 24px 50px -28px rgba(43,33,24,.8);\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1008\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-portrait-apollodoro.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of Galileo Galilei, attributed to Francesco Apollodoro, c. 1602\u201307\" class=\"wp-image-604\" srcset=\"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-portrait-apollodoro.jpg 1008w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-portrait-apollodoro-252x300.jpg 252w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-portrait-apollodoro-860x1024.jpg 860w, https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/gg-portrait-apollodoro-768x914.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-cap\"] { margin: 16px 0 0; font-style: italic; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-small mcg-color-sepia mcg-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 16px 0 0; font-style: italic;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-cap\">My likeness, painted in Padua c. 1605, attributed to Francesco Apollodoro<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-eb\"] { margin: 0 0 18px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-vermilion wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 18px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-eb\">Caput VII \u00b7 Epistulae<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-h\"] { margin: 0 0 24px; }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading mcg-typo-h-2\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 24px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-h\">Write to me<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-l1\"] { margin: 0 0 40px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-lead wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 40px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-l1\">Born in Pisa on the 15th of February 1564. Professor of mathematics at Pisa and then for eighteen happy years at Padua; since 1610 Chief Mathematician of the University of Pisa and Philosopher to the Grand Duke; member of the Lincean Academy of Rome since 1611.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-grid\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 28px 40px; padding-top: 32px; border-top: 1px solid #B8892E; }\n@container (max-width: 767px) { [data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-grid\"] { grid-template-columns: 1fr; } }<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-group mcg-display-grid is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 28px 40px; padding-top: 32px; border-top: 1px solid #B8892E;\" data-sm-mcg-custom-styles=\"grid-template-columns: 1fr;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-ct-grid\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c1a\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c1a\">By letter<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c1b\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c1b\">Galileo Galilei<br>at the Villa delle Selve<br>Signa, near Florence<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c2a\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c2a\">By courier<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c2b\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c2b\">The Grand Ducal post departs Florence on Mondays and Thursdays. Letters from Venice reach me in four days, from Rome in five.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c3a\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c3a\">In person<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c3b\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c3b\">At the Palazzo Pitti on court days \u2013 ask for the Philosopher of the Grand Duke.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c4a\"] { margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-caps mcg-color-sepia wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0 0 8px; font-size: 11px;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c4a\">Observing hours<\/p>\n\n\n<style>[data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c4b\"] { margin: 0; }<\/style>\n<p class=\"mcg-typo-copy wp-block-paragraph\" data-default-mcg-custom-styles=\"margin: 0;\" data-mcg-custom-style-id=\"gg-c4b\">Clear nights from dusk until the small hours. Do not expect replies on cloudy days \u2013 I shall be sulking.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florence \u00b7 Anno Domini MDCXIII Galileo Galilei Philosopher &amp; Mathematician to the Grand Duke of Tuscany \u2013 now accepting commissions Discoverer of the Medicean Stars, maker of the finest spyglasses in Christendom and defender of the Copernican system. I hold that the Sun, not the Earth, sits at the centre of the world \u2013 and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-612","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=612"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":620,"href":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/612\/revisions\/620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/testdrive.vonblock.com\/galileo-galilei\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}