Home to the 17th-century work of Italian astronomer and philosopher Galileo Galilei, Bowling Green State University is placing its recently restored copy of "Opere di Galileo Galilei" on public display for one day only.
With only 11 copies worldwide, BGSU is the only institution in Ohio to possess the "Opere di Galileo Galilei."
The University's Center for Archival Collection brings together more than 3 million pieces of rare, unique and culturally significant materials to support research, teaching and creative exploration. The manuscripts of Galileo Galilei, one of the library's oldest pieces, will be available for public viewing on Thursday, Aug. 28 on the second floor of the Jerome Library.
Translated from Italian to English to, "The Works of Galileo Galilei," the two volumes, printed in 1655–1656, consist of manuscripts and scientific writings of Italian astronomer and philosopher Galileo.
Spanning from 1564 to 1642, Galileo's work in physics led to groundbreaking discoveries in gravity, inertia, speed and velocity, pioneering the modern scientific method. He also improved and perfected the telescope to discover Jupiter's moons, Saturn's rings and developed the heliocentric model of the solar system.
Following the short display of Galileo's work, it will be properly stored in the Center for Archival Collections. The work will return to storage to control temperature and humidity levels to preserve the items. Once stored, faculty, staff, students and community members can request to view Galileo's work or other archived materials through the Special Collections' website.
"It is an honor for the University Libraries and the Special Collections Department to be able to care for and preserve so many unique and precious archival treasures," said Sara Bushong, dean of University Libraries. "The University's Special Collections offer expert guidance and unparalleled resources across a wide range of disciplines and interests."
University Libraries is happy to help and talk with visitors about the materials found in the Center for Archival Collections, Browne Popular Culture Library and the Music Library and Bill Schurk Sound Archives. Materials can be requested and viewed within the Special Collections reading rooms.
