Experience History: Explore Restored Galileo Books at University Libraries – A Unique Opportunity!

On Thursday, Michael Kunst, a senior in environmental science at Bowling Green State University, had a thrilling experience. He held a rare 17th-century book by Galileo Galilei. This book, titled “Opere del Galileo Galilei,” is a collection of his manuscripts and scientific writings. It’s now part of the University’s Rare Books and Special Collections.

Michael approached the books with excitement and a bit of nervousness. With a family background steeped in history, he has taken many related classes, so he truly appreciated this moment. “This is magical!” he said, snapping a photo to share with his family. “My dad’s going to love this.”

The volumes have been with the university since 1966 but were only recently restored. A grant of $5,000 from the State Library of Ohio, part of a federal initiative, funded the restoration. A conservator from Kentucky worked on the delicate books, making them safer to handle.

According to Michelle Sweetser, the head librarian, the two volumes contain Galileo’s writings, drawings, and responses to his work. “These elements give insights into the scientific community of the 1650s,” she explained. Scientists of that time may have used his books for learning and exploration.

Printed in Bologna, Italy, the books are written in Italian and Latin. They were acquired through a donation from BGSU Professor Frank C. Ogg and his wife in 1966, which shows the long-standing commitment to preserving important works.

A fascinating aspect related to these books is their past. While the ownership details remain somewhat unclear, Sweetser noted that they likely belonged to Gustavo Galletti, a noted book collector from Florence, Italy. Currently, there are only 11 known copies worldwide, with BGSU housing the only one in Ohio.

The preservation of such works is significant, especially as we live in a digital age where interaction with tangible history can feel rare. Historic documents like these remind us of the importance of scholarship and research. Sara Bushong, dean of University Libraries, emphasized the impact of engaging with such objects, saying, “It’s powerful to connect with history like this.”

The restoration has made it easier for students and researchers to access these books. Now they can be viewed under supervision for study purposes, enhancing the educational experience at BGSU.

Being able to engage with a piece of history is not just about the object itself; it’s also about the stories it carries. These stories inspire future generations to value and pursue knowledge.

For anyone interested in diving deeper into Galileo’s legacy, consider checking out resources from the American Physical Society, which highlights the impact of his work in both science and society.

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