Jesuit astronomer, born Moravia August 20, 1719; died Heidelberg, Germany, April 16, 1783. He taught mathematics at the University of Heidelberg, constructed and took charge of astronomical observatories at Mannheim and Schwetzingen, and conducted scientific research in Paris and Saint Petersburg. He was a member of numerous learned societies. His claims of having discovered stars, evidently due to an optical illusion, caused much controversy. He wrote several astronomical treatises.
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
Read More