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Re: [Phys-l] Galileo was wrong




You all know, I suppose, that Tycho has a silver nose...lost it in a
duel with his brother, as I recall. :-)

It is a cute story and half accurate. He lost part of his nose in a duel,
and used various prostheses to make it look whole. Some historians think
that he may have often used copper because it was lighter and more
comfortable. Silver certainly fits in with his known vanity. Incidentally
he was thought to have died from uremia, but hair evidence has indicated
possible mercury poisoning. Kepler wrote that he had urinary incontinence
as a result of holding his bladder too long during a banquet, but that might
have only been the last straw. This year they are exhuming him for a more
complete forensic medicine diagnosis. The famous never lie in peace.

History is often simplified by various retellers and artists.

John M. Clement
Houston, TX