Difference between revisions of "Niels Steensen"
(New page: '''Niels Steensen''' or '''Nicolaus Steno''' (1639-86) was a Danish scientist and theologian who is famous for his significant breakthroughs in especially anatomy and geology. He w...) |
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In the field of geology, he formulated several pioneering theories relating to the study of ''strata'', i.e. layers in soil or rock, and described how such layers would form chronologically through sedimentation. He also studyed [[fossil]]s, in particular suggesting a theory that could describe the process of [[fossilization]] through chemical changes. | In the field of geology, he formulated several pioneering theories relating to the study of ''strata'', i.e. layers in soil or rock, and described how such layers would form chronologically through sedimentation. He also studyed [[fossil]]s, in particular suggesting a theory that could describe the process of [[fossilization]] through chemical changes. | ||
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However, in the late 1660's, while studying in Florence, Niels Steensen converted from [[Protestantism]] to [[Catholicism]]. While he continued to study and teach scientific subjects for some years, by the mid-1670's he had dedicated himself to fully to theology, becoming an important figure in the [[Counter-Reformation]]. He was made [[Bishop]] of [[Schwerin]] in 1676, working to promote Catholicism in the predominantly Protestant Northern [[Germany]] until his death ten years later. | However, in the late 1660's, while studying in Florence, Niels Steensen converted from [[Protestantism]] to [[Catholicism]]. While he continued to study and teach scientific subjects for some years, by the mid-1670's he had dedicated himself to fully to theology, becoming an important figure in the [[Counter-Reformation]]. He was made [[Bishop]] of [[Schwerin]] in 1676, working to promote Catholicism in the predominantly Protestant Northern [[Germany]] until his death ten years later. | ||
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Niels Steensen was originally buried in the Basilica di San Lorenzo in [[Florence]], but his body was exhumed in 1953 and reburied in the "Capella Stenoniana" in the same basilica. He was beatified by the [[Catholic Church]] in 1987. As of 2008, his case for [[canonization]] is still being considered by the [[Holy See]]. | Niels Steensen was originally buried in the Basilica di San Lorenzo in [[Florence]], but his body was exhumed in 1953 and reburied in the "Capella Stenoniana" in the same basilica. He was beatified by the [[Catholic Church]] in 1987. As of 2008, his case for [[canonization]] is still being considered by the [[Holy See]]. | ||
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"Niels Steensens Gymnaisum", the only Catholic high school in [[Scandinavia]], is named after him. The school is located in [[Copenhagen]], Denmark, and has close ties to the [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit Order]]. | "Niels Steensens Gymnaisum", the only Catholic high school in [[Scandinavia]], is named after him. The school is located in [[Copenhagen]], Denmark, and has close ties to the [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit Order]]. | ||
Revision as of 01:20, July 26, 2008
Niels Steensen or Nicolaus Steno (1639-86) was a Danish scientist and theologian who is famous for his significant breakthroughs in especially anatomy and geology. He was the first to study the human heart scientifically and to discover that it is a muscle, and he examined the human brain and criticized earlier descriptions of its parts and their functions.
In the field of geology, he formulated several pioneering theories relating to the study of strata, i.e. layers in soil or rock, and described how such layers would form chronologically through sedimentation. He also studyed fossils, in particular suggesting a theory that could describe the process of fossilization through chemical changes.
However, in the late 1660's, while studying in Florence, Niels Steensen converted from Protestantism to Catholicism. While he continued to study and teach scientific subjects for some years, by the mid-1670's he had dedicated himself to fully to theology, becoming an important figure in the Counter-Reformation. He was made Bishop of Schwerin in 1676, working to promote Catholicism in the predominantly Protestant Northern Germany until his death ten years later.
Niels Steensen was originally buried in the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence, but his body was exhumed in 1953 and reburied in the "Capella Stenoniana" in the same basilica. He was beatified by the Catholic Church in 1987. As of 2008, his case for canonization is still being considered by the Holy See.
"Niels Steensens Gymnaisum", the only Catholic high school in Scandinavia, is named after him. The school is located in Copenhagen, Denmark, and has close ties to the Jesuit Order.