Ptolemy and The Almagest
The Complete History of Science
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The Evolution of Geocentric Theory
Apollonius of Perger had been the first to suggest a solution in the form of an epicycle-deferent model. To use another analogy, you could think of epicycles as being like the spinning teacup ride at a fairground. Ptolemy's theory was actually even more complex than I've described. In the first instance, the superior planets and the inferior planets needed to be treated separately,. since the inferior planets seemed to follow the sun in the way the superior planets do not. Mercury was also more difficult due to its orbit being especially elongated.
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