Two rival mathematicians, Urinaal and Raasbollius, arguing about models of the solar system. They are using food placed on the floor to symbolize celestial bodies. Engraving by P. Tanje, 1758, after C. Troost, 1741, based on a scene in the play The Mathematicians, by P. Langendijk, 1715, which is a satire on scholastics. Nicolaus Copernicus developed a mathematical model for a heliocentric theory of the universe. This system contrasted with the thousand year old Earth-centered Ptolemaic system to which the Roman Catholic church held. Copernicus feared persecution and delayed publication of his book, The Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres, until 1543. The book was banned by the Roman Catholic church from 1616 until 1835.