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VMs: VMS : La Sapienza

Hi,
 
Perhaps this man, Andrea Argoli, is worth knowing. His name also reads Andreas Argolus, Argolo, etc.
 
He chaired mathematics in La Sapienza. And he is a well known astrologer, with medical skills. He was Italian (1570-1657).
 
Some parts of his biography appear to me as Voynichese-like:
 
http://galileo.rice.edu/Catalog/NewFiles/argoli.html
 
Argoli, Andrea
1. Dates
Born: Italy, 1570
Died: Italy, 1657
Dateinfo: Birth Uncertain
Lifespan: 87
2. Father
Occupation: A Lawyer
No information on financial status.
3. Nationality
Birth: Italian
Career: Italian
Death: Italian
4. Education
Schooling: No University
He reportedly studied with Magini, which would put him in Padua around 1600.
According to his own statement, however, he studied without the help of a master.
I assume no B.A.
5. Religion
Affiliation: Catholic
After recovering from a serious illness in 1646, Argoli wore the monastic habit (I am not sure if this means that he tooks orders) for the rest of his life in gratitude.
6. Scientific Disciplines
Primary: Astrology, Astronomy
Subordinate: Medicine
7. Means of Support
Primary: Academic Position
Secondary: Patronage 1622-7, held chair of mathematics at Sapienza in Rome.
Argoli's astrological studies together with his inability to restrain his tongue about them made it advisable for him to leave Rome. Recall that this was the time of Urban's scare. Argoli decided that Venice would be a safe haven.
1632-57, Professor of Mathematics at Padua, at an initial salary of 500 florins, which was later increased.
8. Patronage
Types: City Magistrate, Eccesiastic Official, Aristrocrat, Court Official
After Castelli replaced him at the Sapienze, Card. Biscia supported him for five years.
The Republic gave him the chair at Padua.
In 1638, the Republic gave him the title of a knight of St. Mark, presented him with a gold chain, and raised his salary "considerablement;" by 1651 his salary was 1100 florins.
Argoli dedicated his Ephemerides, 1623, to the Abbot of the Congregation of the Camaldolesi of Santa Maria.
He dedicated an Ephemerides of 1629 to Prince Filippo Colonna.
He dedicated De diebus criticis, 1652, and Ptolomaeus parvus, 1652, to Queen Christina of Sweden.
9. Technological Involvement
Types: None
10. Scientific Societies
Memberships: None
Students: He reportedly taught Wallenstein and his astrologer Giambattista Zenno.
In Venice, he was secretary of the Accademia degli Incogniti, of which I know nothing though it is not mentioned as a scientific society.
Sources
  1. M. Gliozzi, "Argoli," Dizionario biografico degli italiani, IV (Rome, 1964), 132-4. [ref. CT1123.D62 v.4]
  2. R.P. Niceron, Memoires pour servir a l'histoire des hommes illustres, 39 (Paris, 1738), 325-31. [Lilly]
  3. G.M.Mazzuchelli, Gli scrittori d'Italia, (Brescia, 1753- ), 1, pt. 2.
Compiled by:
Richard S. Westfall
Department of History and Philosophy of Science
Indiana University

Regards,

Jean

 

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