Astronomical observatories in Sweden
by Östen Bergstrand (1873 to 1948)

As is well known, Uppsala University led a dwindling life for most of the 16th century. The astronomy, however, was conducted there partly also during this time, among others by Master Olaus Luth, who was professor 1572-77 and author of our first textbook on the subject; its full title reads (very old Swedish language): Nogre stycker aff then frije Konst Astronomia, opa wårth Swenske tungomåll vthsatt. Öffeuersedd aff M. Oluff Lwth. Vtschrefwen i Vpsala Anno MDXXCIV.

When the university was re-established in connection with the Uppsala meeting in 1593, it was decided that one of the four professorships in the Faculty of Philosophy would be allocated to astronomy. Incidentally, the subject was then, and even later, called 'higher mathematics', in contrast to pure mathematics, which was described as 'lower mathematics'. The sources for this older part of the university's history are rather scarce and unclear. It is certain, however, that one of the very first holders of the restored astronomical chair of the restored University (perhaps the sale from

1593 or 1594) was the latter, known as theologian (bishop and archbishop) Laurentius Paulinus Goths.

At the beginning of the 17th century, astronomy had thus permanently consolidated its place as a subject at Uppsala University. With the pursuit of this science in a truly fruitful way, however, it was scarcely ordered in 17th - century Sweden. The glorious Renaissance, which at this time, chiefly through the efforts of Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Kepler, and Galileo, had brought astronomy as a science to an unprecedented height, hardly had any effect in our country.