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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Galileo was determined to prove the theories of which famous scientist?

2. What is it called when a nun is required to stay inside the convent compound at all times?

3. What is another name for a nun's living quarters?

4. Galileo was eventually named head mathematician and philosopher to which of the following people?

5. Galileo suggested to Maria Celeste that she petition this Pope for assistance.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Maria Celeste had such a special bond with her father, aside from her position in the family?

2. In addition to helping Galileo with the printing license, other benefits came from his relationship with Caterina. What were the benefits?

3. Explain the opening letter in "Galileo's Daughter" by Dava Sobel. Who was the writer? What was the subject?

4. Discuss some of the complaints the Galileis had regarding various illnesses.

5. Galileo suffered a tragedy shortly after the trip to Rome. What was the tragedy? What caused it?

6. How severe was the presence of the plague in Rome in the 1600s? When was the worst period in history for the plague? How does Sobel refer to the returning plague?

7. Why did Galileo have to go through regular channels if the Pope approved of the work? Who was responsible for issuing the printing licenses?

8. What significant event took place during Galileo's time in Rome?

9. Explain the first experience with a telescope. Also explain what it meant to the future study of the galaxy.

10. When the Galilei children were small, Galileo held two similar jobs in the math and science fields. What were the jobs and where were they? Why were the jobs unusual?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Galileo suffered from several afflictions as he got older. Many of those afflictions were treated by Maria Celeste. Explain Galileo's afflictions. Which was the worst? Was any one of the afflictions fatal or terminal? Explain. How was Maria Celeste able to help her father? Did the remedies help? Where did Galileo spend his last days? What eventually killed Galileo?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept and creation of Galileo's "Treatise on the Tides." Why was the work so important? What was the collective opinion of Galileo's colleagues? How did Galileo feel about the finished product? What was the main theme of the book? Did Galileo introduce anything new to the scientific community?

Essay Topic 3

Describe in detail the life of the nuns at San Matteo. How does the convent compare with today's convents? Is the order still in existence? If so, where? What influence did Maria Celeste have on the convent? Compare and contrast the views and experiences of the sisters.

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