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1749 God creates solar system and planets
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1749 God creates solar system and planets
Copperplate engraving from Georges-Louis Leclerc, Compte de Buffon " Histoire Naturelle" Volume 1, Plate 1. " Of the Formation of the Planets" 1749. N. Blakey del. and St. Fessard sculp. Though this image pays homage to Gods role in the divine order, Buffon was no Biblical literalist. Isaac Newton observed that all planets rotated about the sun in the same direction and within 7.5 degrees of each other. Buffon calculated the odds against this happening if all the planets were created independently at nearly 8 million to one. He concluded the planets were created at the same time by a comet crashing into the sun. The faculty of theology were not happy, and Buffon retracted saying in correspondence to friends " it is better to be humble than hung". In this volume Buffon believed the Earths history was cyclical. In (1778) he estimated the Earths age at 75, 000 years based on cooling
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6317129
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
Bible Biblical Buffon Creation Creationist Formation Histoire Naturelle Origin Planets Science And Religion Solar System Compte Usher Ussher
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable copperplate engraving from Georges-Louis Leclerc, Compte de Buffon's "Histoire Naturelle". Volume 1. Titled "Of the Formation of the Planets" this artwork pays homage to God's role in the divine order while challenging traditional biblical interpretations. Intriguingly, Buffon was not a Biblical literalist but rather an advocate for scientific inquiry. Drawing inspiration from Isaac Newton's observations, he noted that all planets rotate around the sun in unison and within a narrow range of angles. Astonishingly, Buffon calculated that the likelihood of this occurring if each planet were created independently was nearly 8 million to one. To explain this phenomenon, Buffon proposed an audacious theory: all planets were formed simultaneously when a comet collided with the sun. However, his hypothesis faced opposition from theological circles who deemed it heretical. In response to their discontent, Buffon humbly retracted his statement by saying "it is better to be humble than hung". Within this volume of work, Buffon also delved into cyclical theories about Earth's history and estimated its age at 75,000 years based on cooling patterns. This groundbreaking perspective challenged prevailing beliefs about creationism and sparked further discussions on science versus religion. Paul D. Stewart expertly captures both the artistic beauty and intellectual significance of this historical piece through his photography skills. It serves as a thought-provoking reminder that science and religion have long coexisted in complex ways throughout human history.
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