Highly-renowned German mathematician and philosopher (1646–1716). ALS in Latin, signed “G. G. L.,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4 x 6, March 2, 1700. Handwritten letter to the Helmstedt theologian Johann Andreas Schmidt, about the mathematics of determining the date of Easter—a topical subject, as the Gregorian calendar reform had been introduced in the Protestant countries only the previous day. Leibniz considered this a rash undertaking, as scholars were still in disagreement about the correct way to establish the date of Easter astronomically.
In part (translated): "You know that the thought of continuing the Centuriators’ work was undertaken among you by the late Mr. Meier; and you will understand from his friends what resources he intended to use. I do not know what has become of the collected works of the early authors. Will you add anything to their centuries themselves? Certainly, much has come to light since then, which could help correct them. I prefer Baronius's annalistic method to the one they followed. However, each method has its advantages. If anything useful arises, I will note it for your project….Look at what Mr. Römer, a Dane and second to none among our contemporary astronomers, has written to me. Please return this to me, and, in the meantime, discuss his doubts, unnamed, either directly with him or me, along with Mr. Hamberg and Mr. Junius, and make sure that their responses reach me. Please consider his suggestions yourself. Of his three methods, I do not believe the last will be chosen, nor will the first be easily reached. Therefore, we must consider the middle approach for now, until another proves preferable; and, in the meantime, the difficulties will need to be clarified. As to why I brought Mr. Wagner with me for a few days, he has written a detailed explanation." In fine condition, with scattered light foxing and toning. In 1699, Danish astronomer Ole Rømer—discoverer of the speed of light and inventor of the modern thermometer—suggested a revised calendar, so that Easter was scheduled according to the moon.
Published in the Leibniz Akademie-Ausgabe, Vol. I, 18, no. 244.
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