THE EUROPEAN AGE OF REASON.
REJECTION OF AUTHORITY AND TRADITION, AND ADOPTION OF SCIENTIFIC TRUTH.—DISCOVERY OF THE TRUE POSITION OF THE EARTH IN THE UNIVERSE.
Ecclesiastical Attempt to enforce the Geocentric Doctrine that the Earth is the Centre of the Universe, and the most important Body in it.
The Heliocentric Doctrine that the Sun is the Centre of the Solar System, and the Earth a small Planet, comes gradually into Prominence.
Struggle between the Ecclesiastical and Astronomical Parties.—Activity of the Inquisition.—Burning of Bruno.—Imprisonment of Galileo.
Invention of the Telescope.—Complete Overthrow of the Ecclesiastical Idea.—Rise of Physical Astronomy.—Newton.—Rapid and resistless Development of all Branches of Natural Philosophy.
Final Establishment of the Doctrine that the Universe is under the Dominion of mathematical, and, therefore, necessary Laws.
Progress of Man from Anthropocentric Ideas to the Discovery of his true Position and Insignificance in the Universe.