1|)8 Kuitccs rcspectbig Xcw Books. 



niade the first astronomical observations in this island. In 

 the library or the university of Copenhagen arc still pre- 

 served the sheets containing the astronomical observations 

 made at Uranienborg from 1576 to 1597. The retired and 

 tranquil situation of this remarkable island renders it ex- 

 tremely favourable to the study of the mathematical sciences. 

 Tycho lived for these studies alone ; he there invented 

 and executed new instruments, formed some excellent pu- 

 pils, aTul, bv the care which he bestowed on the sick 

 islanders, (whom he supplied with such medicines as resulted 

 from his extensive chemical inquiries,) has deserved the 

 admiration of all Europe, as much as from his discoveries in 

 astronomy. 



The greatest scholars, princes and kings, visiied this great 

 man in his retreat, kept up con)municalioi>s with him, and 

 profited by his advice. In 1577, the university of Copen- 

 haocn unanimouslv voted him their chief ; but his occupa- 

 tions at Uranienborg did not adn)it of his accepting of this 

 testimony of the esteem of his learned countrymen. King 

 Frederick II. did not content himself with granting him 

 large appointments ; he made him considerable presents, 

 4nd conferred on him the order of the Elephant. The 

 favours heaped upon Tvcho Brahe, in consequence of his 

 merit attracted some envy ; and, after the death of Frede- 

 rick in 1588, his enemies succeeded in oppressing him more 

 and more, so that at last they only left him the island of 

 Ilwetn, which broutiht him in no more than 200 crowns. 

 This succession of ill usage drove him from his ungrateful 

 country, and in the month of June 1597 he set out for 

 Italy. After having remained some time at Rostock, and in 

 some other places, the emperor Rodolph II., that great 

 amateur and protector of the arts and sciences, invited him 

 to Prasue, and showered upon him the most striking testi- 

 rnouics of his esteem. He conversed with him in Latin j 

 made him a present of 2000 golden florins ; assigned him an 

 arniual pension of 3000 oolden florins; iitted up for him a 

 house 4.1 Prau'uCj and a chateau at Henach, some leagues from 

 that city, that he might give hims(flf up to his astronomical 

 and Ghejnical labours ; and liiially gave liim the promise of a 



fief. 



