In other words, contrary to popular, and even academic belief, Copernicus did not reduce the number of circles, but increased them (from forty to forty-eight).12 How could this mistaken idea survive for so long, and be repeated by so many eminent authorities? The answer is that very few people, even among professional historians of science, have read Copernicus’ book, because the Copernican system (as opposed to the heliocentric idea) is hardly worth bothering about.
