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The Science of Astrology: Schreibkalender, Natural Philosophy, and Everyday Life in the Seventeenth-Century German Lands

Smith, Kelly M
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8595-322X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1522057810431579

Abstract Details

2018, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: History.
This dissertation explores the use of Schreibkalender, or writing-calendars, and their accompanying prognostica astrologica to evaluate how ideas about seventeenth-century natural philosophy – particularly the relationship between astronomy and astrology – changed throughout the period. These calendars contain a wealth of information that demonstrates the thirst early modern readers had for knowledge of the world around them. Because Schreibkalender and prognostica were written annually for the general populace and incorporated contemporary ideas regarding natural philosophy, they provide a means to assess the roles of both astronomical and astrological ideas during this period and how these changes were conveyed to the average person. Not only did authors present practical information related to the natural world, but they also explained basic philosophical principles and new discoveries to their audience. This research examines how changing ideas about the role of natural philosophy and its direct influence on everyday life developed over the course of the seventeenth century. An examination of the Schreibkalender and prognostica reveals a shift in emphasis throughout the period. Early calendars (approximately 1600-30) presented direct astronomical and astrological information related to the daily life of the average person, whereas those from the middle of the century (~1630-70) added helpful details explaining astronomical and astrological concepts. Authors also engaged in debates about new discoveries and methodologies in these calendars, which gave readers access to the dynamic and complex field of mid-century natural philosophy. Late-century (~1670-1700) calendar-makers continued the tradition of their predecessors, but they made fewer astrological predictions. Instead, they listed basic astronomical data – such as the locations of the planets or the phases of the moon – and added new subject matter that was still firmly rooted in readers’ practical needs. The calendars reveal a deep connection between people and the natural world. Meteorological forecasts and predictions about planting and harvesting crops enabled users to plan their days, months, and seasons. Authors also relied on major events like eclipses to make special predictions about the world around them. Portents like comets could also signify the possibility of increased warfare. Chapters on the prospect for war or peace, on the fruitfulness of the Earth, or the possibility for disease and epidemics also helped readers understand the events and calamities occurring around them. As the century progressed, however, authors adapted their calendars to include fewer predictions and instead focused on new topics like biblical stories, histories, or household tips. These accounts enabled the calendars to remain competitive with new media, such as newspapers or travel accounts, even as interest in astrology decreased. A thorough assessment of Schreibkalender and prognostica astrologica uncovers valuable information about how a general audience learned about and understood natural philosophy throughout the seventeenth century. Furthermore, this research provides a clearer understanding of the role that astronomy and astrology played within the development of the physical sciences.
Sigrun Haude, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Hilda Smith, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Tracy Teslow, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Gerhild Williams, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
258 p.
European History
Schreibkalender; Prognostica; Calendars and Almanacs; Astronomy; Astrology; German Lands

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Smith, K. M. (2018). The Science of Astrology: Schreibkalender, Natural Philosophy, and Everyday Life in the Seventeenth-Century German Lands [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1522057810431579

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Smith, Kelly. The Science of Astrology: Schreibkalender, Natural Philosophy, and Everyday Life in the Seventeenth-Century German Lands. 2018. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1522057810431579.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Smith, Kelly. "The Science of Astrology: Schreibkalender, Natural Philosophy, and Everyday Life in the Seventeenth-Century German Lands." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1522057810431579

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.