(1625-1712) Catholic astronomer. Determined the period of rotation of Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, made researches on lunar librations and on the zodiacal light, advanced a theory of comet motion, discovered four Saturnian satellites, suggested oval paths in place of the ellipses of Kepler which were named Cassinians in his honor, and was first director of the Paris Observatory.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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