Mathematics at Leiden: Stevin, Snellius, Scaliger (Q2735049)

In the sixteenth century mathematics was primarily a practical discipline. Mathematicians were regularly regarded not so much as scholars, but as craftsmen. They taught the art of book-keeping and calculating, measured the contents of wine-vessels, casted horoscopes, calculated the calendar, and so on. Of course, not all their teaching was practically applicable. Part of it seemed just aimed at showing their wit. But in fact, this also served some practical ends. It was a kind of advertising their skill.NEWLINENEWLINEIn the course of time, however, mathematics became a discipline of higher esteem. In the seventeenth century mathematics was the key discipline for the understanding of nature and the world. The object of mathematics was not any longer just the solution of practical problems. It was regarded as a serious theoretical study, which elevated the spirit and formed a general gateway to truth. It is a question of interest how this rise in prominence arose. Both social and intellectual factors were important. The status of the discipline affected that of the practitioners, but on the other hand, only when practitioners succeeded in gaining an independent and socially respected position, did they have the possibility of proving the usefulness of their discipline.NEWLINENEWLINEIn this article, as a case study, the author looks at developments in the Dutch Republic during the early years of its existence. The Dutch Republic arose as a result of a revolt in 1572 of the towns of the county of Holland against their Habsburg overlord, Philip II of Spain. After a prolonged struggle, this resulted in 1648 in the recognition of the independence of the Seven United Provinces. The years after 1572 saw the swift rise of a few, rather unimportant provinces in a corner of the Habsburg empire to the position of one of Europe's leading powers. This deeply affected Dutch society in its political, social and cultural aspects. Science and learning also underwent the influence of these developments.NEWLINENEWLINEFor the entire collection see [Zbl 0964.00032].