Mathematics Is Written For Mathematicians

Nicolaus Copernicus wrote this in the preface to De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (1543), addressing the technical mathematical content of the book and acknowledging that non-specialists would find it difficult. The work was written in Latin and filled with elaborate geometric constructions for predicting planetary positions. Copernicus was aware that his heliocentric argument would be controversial and addressed the preface directly to Pope Paul III, seeking papal protection from anticipated criticism.