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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. To whom was the book dedicated?

2. Galileo began a new book, the idea for which had been ruminating for nearly ____ years.

3. Which item is not mentioned in the observations on gravity?

4. Which of the following was not one of the reasons given to the Pope by Niccolini?

5. What was the first name of Mrs. Niccolini?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Part Four, Galileo had to return to Rome to be tried for his crimes against the Church. Explain who was on Galileo's side to support him.

2. Who issued the actual conviction in Galileo's case? What was the opinion of the Pope in this case?

3. How long did Galileo have to stay in Rome before he was granted an audience at the Holy Office?

4. Galileo began to work on a book involving the theories of motion. Discuss the concept for the book and its relationship to Aristotle's earlier teachings.

5. What was the plea sent from Niccolini to the Poe on behalf of Galileo?

6. What was Galileo's hope regarding the outcome of the trial. Did Galileo's wish come true?

7. The sisters at San Matteo continued to pray for Galileo. What was the reaction at the convent when it was learned Galileo would soon be back in Arcetri?

8. What was the outcome of the efforts made by Galileo and others?

9. By this time Galileo had become blind in one eye and was plagued with poor vision in the other. How did Galileo manage to work with this affliction?

10. Name one of the biggest and harshest stipulations set upon Galileo's return to Arcetri.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe in detail the court proceedings against Galileo. Who pressed the charges? What were the charges? Was Galileo guilty? What was the punishment served on Galileo? What was the length of the sentence? What was the overall opinion of the church, the academic community, and Galileo's family? Did the punishment fit the crime?

Essay Topic 2

Galileo's trial forbade him from working on certain projects so that he could stay out of prison. Explain the arrangement with the Church. Do you think Galileo agreed because he felt he had no choice or because it was in his best interest? Do you think Galileo compromised himself or his work by agreeing to stop working and teaching? Did Galileo keep his word?

Essay Topic 3

One of Galileo's most famous experiments took place at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. What was the experiment? What did the experiment prove? Who inspired the experiment and/or was inspired by it? Do the results of the experiment still hold true today? Explain.

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