David Gans. Nechmad Vena’im [on astronomy, geography, as well as a rejection of astrology in Jewish tradition].

(SCIENCES).

Israel ben Abraham

Jessnitz

1743

FIRST EDITION. Title within architectural arch. Numerous astronomical diagrams. With introduction in Latin (often lacking).

Vinograd, Jessnitz 49.

R. David Gans (1541-1603) was a student of the MaHaRa”L of Prague as well as an apprentice to the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe (1546-1601). His distinctively Jewish-scientific works were inspired by his exposure to both teachers, providing instruction on the physical and metaphysical realms. See A. Neher, Jewish Thought and the Scientific Revolution of the Sixteenth Century: David Gans (1541-1613) and His Times (1986) pp. 58-91 and pp. 6, 20, 24. Latin introduction by Christian Hebenstreit, Professor of Hebrew in Leipzig, drawing attention to the keen influence the author received from the theories of the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, with whom Gans worked in Prague. Scientific cooperation between Jewish and non-Jewish savants was unique to the Rudolfine era. The MaHaRa”L of Prague himself (whom Gans was a disciple) is said to have been invited to the Hradschin Palace to meet with Emperor Rudolph II.