由开普勒《鲁道夫星表》卷首图设计探析一种特殊的科学史传播与普及形式

Analyzing a Distinctive Form of Dissemination and Popularization of the History of Science through the Design of the Frontispiece in Kepler’s Rudolphine Tables

1627年,开普勒的天文学著作《鲁道夫星表》正式出版。其中,由作者本人亲自设计的卷首图“乌拉尼亚的神殿”,呈现出一种独特的科学史叙事风格。这幅图像完全可以被看作是一个独立、完整、充满艺术和文化内蕴的科学史作品,堪比一座能够展示17世纪之前欧洲天文学发展的“天文博物馆”。文章以该图像作为案例,将之看作一种能够进行科学史传播和普及的特殊形式,对其创作机制和特征进行探析,以期丰富当下科学史普及形式的相关讨论,并能够对更广阔领域中的科普创作有所启发。

In 1627,Kepler published the astronomical work Rudolphine Tables.The frontispiece,“The Temple of Urania,”designed personally by the author,embodies a unique narrative style in the history of science.This image can be regarded as an independent,comprehensive work of art and cultural significance in the history of science,akin to an“astronomical museum”showcasing the development of European astronomy before the seventeenth century.This paper takes this image as a case study,viewing it as a special form capable of disseminating and popularizing the history of science.It analyzes its creative mechanism and characteristics,aiming to enhance current discussions on the popularization of the history of science and provide inspiration for popular science creation in broader fields.