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Gaspare Berti's Legacy: The 'Mathematicalls' in Baroque Rome.

Authors :
Favino, Federica
Source :
Nuncius: Journal of the History of Science; 2017, Vol. 32 Issue 3, p709-773, 65p
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Documentation regarding the practical mathematicians in the early modern age is as rare as it is precious. In fact, where it exists, it permits us to document the culture of mathematics at a time of strong interchanges between the 'artisan epistemology' and erudite scientific culture. This paper will present a complete edition of the postmortem inventory of the Roman mathematician Gaspare Berti (1601-1643), which was discovered among the notary papers of the Roman Court of Auditor Camerae. This document is of great interest, both generally and in particular. On the one hand, it sheds light on a figure who has remained unknown for centuries, except for his pioneering work on the vacuum in the early 17th century. On the other hand, thanks to an exceptional wealth of details, through the inventory we are given a deeper look from within at the 'trading zone' between practical and theoretical mathematics in the particular context of Baroque Rome. This almost photographic documentation contextualizes the lively world of practical mathematics, allowing comparison with the 'big narrative' of its alleged decline after Galileo's condemnation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03947394
Volume :
32
Issue :
3
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Nuncius: Journal of the History of Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
126488924
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1163/18253911-03202009