in the Scandinavian tradition, derived from a common source.[1]
Nearly in the centre of the island, 160 feet above the level of the sea,[2] Tycho selected a site for his new residence and observatory, which he very appropriately called Uraniburgum or Uraniborg, as it was to be devoted to the study of the heavens. The work was at once commenced, and on the 8th August 1576 the foundation-stone was laid. The French minister Dancey had asked to be allowed to perform this ceremony, and had provided a handsome stone of porphyry with a Latin inscription, stating that the house was to be devoted to philosophy, and especially to the contemplation of the stars. Some friends and other men of rank or learning assembled early in the morning, "when the sun was rising together with Jupiter near Regulus, while the moon in Aquarius was setting; libations were solemnly made with various wines, success was wished to the undertaking, and the stone was put in its place at the south-east corner of the house at the level of the ground."[3] The building operations were now steadily proceeded with under the direction of the architect, Hans van Stenwinchel from Emden, but Tycho doubtless superintended the work himself, as he seems to have almost constantly resided in the island. We find, at least, that
- ↑ According to another tradition mentioned by Sjöborg (l. c., p. 74), Ranke threw the keys of Hammer Castle into the sea, and bewitched the castle so that it sank into the earth or into the sea; but if there shall ever be three posthumous men in the island at the same time, each called after his father, then Hammer Castle shall again stand in its old place, and the keys be found. Other traditions say that Hvenild was a giantess (Jettekvinde), who carried pieces of Seeland in her apron over to Scania, where they formed the hills of Runeberga, but as her apron-strings burst on the way, she dropped a piece in the sea, which formed the island of Hveen. The hill close to Uraniborg, Hellehög, where in Tycho's time the local court was held, is evidently called after Helled Haagen.
- ↑ According to Picard 27 toises (Ouvrages de Mathematique, p. 71).
- ↑ Astron. Inst. Mechanica, fol. H. 6.
