Beschrijving van het Rijks-Planetarium te Franeker

This volume offers a vivid portrait of Eise Eisinga, the modest Frisian craftsman who, in the late 1700s, built a fully functioning planetary model in his own home. Drawing on contemporary letters, visitor accounts and the author’s own investigations, it traces Eisinga’s quiet determination and the community’s growing fascination with his work, while placing his achievement within the broader scientific spirit of the era.

The book then guides listeners through the intricate mechanics of the planetarium, explaining how its moving heavens, sun‑dial, and lunar indicators were engineered with remarkable precision. Comparative notes show how Eisinga’s creation measured up against other famous models of the time, and the text highlights the challenges faced by anyone attempting such a feat. Together, the biography and technical overview illuminate why this humble yet brilliant instrument earned lasting admiration across Europe.