Philolaic
/ˌfɪləˈleɪɪk/adjective
Of, relating to, or characteristic of Philolaus or his system of astronomy. Philolaic system the astronomical system propounded by Philolaus, according to which both the sun and the planets, including the earth, orbit a central point known as the ‘central fire’. Philolaic tables the tabulation of the movements of the celestial objects according to this system.
- Philolaus incorporated an additional (and invisible) celestial body, the anti-Earth, on the opposite side of the central fire to the other bodies, making the total number of celestial bodies equal to ten. 17th- and 18th-century writers referred to the Philolaic system as developed by Boulliau. Boulliau's system differed in that it was heliocentric, and subsequently accepted elliptical orbits..
Origin
Mid 17th century. From post-classical Latin Philolaicus from classical Latin Philolāus (ancient Greek Φιλόλαος), the name of an ancient Greek Pythagorean philosopher and astronomer from southern Italy (fl. 430 b.c.) + -icus.