The Melanchthon Circle's English Epicycle

Abstract

Abstract. As persuasive signs of divine providence, astronomy and astrology held a special place in the natural philosophy of Philip Melanchthon. Both the highly predictable motions of celestial objects and the benefits they contributed to human life were held to demonstrate the existence of an intelligent and caring creator who was actively involved in the world. Melanchthon's influence on a small group of Lutheran astronomers has long been recognized. This article proposes the term mathematical Philippist to designate individuals outside the Lutheran confession, or of unknown religious affiliation, who adopted Melanchthon's providential view of the heavens. Two 16th-century English mathematicians, Leonard and Thomas Digges, qualify as mathematical Philippists on the basis of their familiarity with and approval of Melanchthon, despite circumstantial evidence that at least one (Thomas) had Calvinist sympathies in other areas of his life. The identification of a Philippist strand in English mathematics illustrates the shortcomings of any attempt to assess possible interactions of science and religion strictly along confessional lines.

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