What is it about?

Simon Stevin (1548-1620) was only 16 years older than Galileo (1564-1642). The similarity between the work of the Flemish engineer and the Italian natural philosopher is striking. Interestingly, also with regard to their views on scientific language, there are some parallels that can be drawn. Several questions arise on this subject. For example: in what language did both publish and what were their motives? In what sense was their scientific language and its application related to their scientific views? Did they both stick to one point of view, or did their views change and evolve during their lifetimes? Did their work have any impact on today’s mother tongue? These are the kinds of questions which this essay addresses.

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Why is it important?

This article explores the scientific language use of Galileo and Simon Stevin. It examines their choice to write in their native languages—both in the case of Galileo and the relatively unknown but influential Simon Stevin. Comparing the two reveals new insights into their motivations, the importance of context, and the relationship between science and scientific language. Moreover, the article demonstrates that Galileo did not publish exclusively in Italian until the end of his life, as is often claimed.

Perspectives

For some time now, I have been working on Galileo. Recently, I became interested in his use of language—a topic that receives little attention amid the overwhelming and ever-growing body of publications on the Italian physicist and his work. I came up with the idea of comparing his motives with those of another physicist, Simon Stevin, who, like Galileo, refused to publish in the scientific language of his time, Latin. A comparison of the two reveals interesting similarities and differences.

Filip Buyse

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This page is a summary of: Galileo Galilei and Simon Stevin: Publishing in Vernacular or in Latin?, February 2025, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004695566_005.
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