Nicolaus Steno on solutes and solvents in time-related structural changes of muscles, fossils, landscapes and crystals, his galilean heritage

In Part One of the Specimen Elements Myology, a book in three parts published Florence 1667, Nicolaus Steno described changes taking place between muscle relaxation and contraction two-stage geometrical model based on anatomical observations man animals. The ‘new myology’ was rejected by G.A. Borelli 1680 outright ridiculed J. Bernoulli 1694. correctness predictive value rightfully acknowledged only towards Millennium. Two, Canis …, gave detailed description giant shark’s head with focus likeness its teeth so-called tongue stones, or “glossopetrae”, dug from ground. conjectured that remnants sharks living past had become fossils due to chemical processes through interaction surrounding sediments at bottom sea, presuming finding areas been sea-covered. From studies Three reproductive organs mammals, viviparous ray-fish shark, he concluded female testicles women mammals are analogous ovaries oviparous animals should therefore be named accordingly. Two years later Prodromus De Solido intra Solidum, transformation over time sedimentary landscapes Tuscany, how crystals grow accretion surface entities derived limpid sea-water freshwater caves. These time-related transformations solids organic inorganic materials. However, such could not documented visual observation, since go too quickly muscles, case because took past. Thus, contemporaries put forward hypotheses hidden were gradually corroborated when fitting into cluster evidence. His considerations crystal growth may have triggered an interest as physician know saliva, gall kidney stones formed. Likewise, sharks’ replacement their extend knowledge dentition bring better cure for those who complain being toothless. He emphasized importance mathematical methods describe human body cited Galileo, Discourse Bodies Water (1612), which physics outweighs Aristotelian rules explain solvents. Steno’s ‘New Myology’ showdown against Aristotelean physical dogma Physics VII: everything moves is moved another, excluded fibre shortening muscles blinded researchers generations after Steno.