ABSTRACT
Johann Kepler was born in 1571 at Weil (now called Weil der Stadt) in Württemberg, and studied at the University of Tübingen. It is worth noting that, although he had developed a keen interest in astronomy through the influence of his teacher, Michael Maestlin, and had zealously studied the subject, it was not to this science but to theology that he originally intended devoting himself: in fact, he wanted to become a pastor. It so happened, however, that the combined post of mathematician to the Province of Styria and teacher at the Protestant seminary (Stiftschule) at Graz fell vacant by the death of the occupant, Georg Stadius (1550–93). Early in 1594 the provincial authorities in their search for a candidate enquired of the University of Tübingen, the senate of which recommended Kepler, 1 who naturally could not refuse. He accepted, but made it clear that, as far as he was concerned, it would be only a temporary position, and that he hoped after some years to embrace an ecclesiastical career, for which he was particularly well suited in the opinion of his teachers, and to which he himself aspired with all his heart and soul. After all, had not he received, two years before, from his native town of Weil a bursary on the recommendation of the Faculty of Theology? Fate—or Providence—decided otherwise. 2
