Page:Galileo Galilei and the Roman Curia (IA cu31924012301754).pdf/112



Inquisition, perhaps still incensed by Galileo's active propagandism, even among the learned world of Rome, and by his brilliant defence of the new system, now hastened to bring to a conclusion the transactions which had been going on for a considerable time against it. A decree of 19th February, 1616, summoned the Qualifiers of the Holy Office (they were not judges exactly, but had to give their opinion as experts) and required them to give their opinion on the two following propositions in Galileo's work on the solar spots:—

I. The sun is the centre of the world, and immovable from its place.

II. The earth is not the centre of the world, and is not immovable, but moves, and also with a diurnal motion.

In accordance with the papal decree, these theologians met four days afterwards, at 9 am. on 23rd February, and published the result of their deliberations the next day, as follows:—