The most eminent poish Scholar, creator of the heliocentric theory of the universe, astronomer, mathematician, economist and physician, Nicolaus Copernicus was born on February 19th, 1473 i Torun into a burgher family. He studied astronomy, law, medicine and theology at universities in Cracow, Bologna, Padua and Ferrara. In 1503, after completing his studies, he returned to Poland where he remained till the end of his days.

In 1510, he settled in Frombork where he was appointed canon of the Warmia Chapter. He conducted his astronomical observations there and wrote his main works. About the same time, he presented an outline of his theory of the structure of the universe in his dissertation entitled "Commentariolus". His most important work which contained a discourse on astronomy based on the heliocentric system, was written over the years 1515-1533; it appeared in print under the tilte :De revolutionibus obium coelestium" in 1543 in Nuremberg.

This work revolutionaised the then prevailing views on the structure of the universe and laid the foundation for the new cosmology. Copernicus also displayed keen interest in problems of economics. Educated in many disciplines, Copernicus represents one of the most brilliant minds of the European Renaissance.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India