José Monteiro da Rocha (1734–1819), a seminal figure in Portuguese mathematics and astronomy, amassed a personal library that reveals the intricate cultural dynamics and circulation of scientific knowledge of the era. This article explores Monteiro da Rocha’s collection, mapping how these books were crucial to his pedagogical and scientific work while examining the broader context of knowledge dissemination during the Enlightenment. As a key figure in the curricular Reform of the University of Coimbra in 1772, Monteiro da Rocha played a vital role in establishing the new Mathematics and Natural Philosophy faculties. His contributions to drafting the new statutes and his influence as an educator underscore the significance of his library, comprising over 1200 titles. The diversity of works in his library, including those by notable figures such as Newton, Euler, and Bernoulli, highlights the range of scientific knowledge circulating during the Enlightenment. Analysing this collection allows us to assess Monteiro da Rocha’s impact on his teaching and scientific practice. Through an analysis of the content and provenance of these books, this article demonstrates how Monteiro da Rocha’s library mirrors the scientific practices and priorities of the 18th century, while also serving as a testament to the cultural and scientific exchanges that defined the Enlightenment. Ultimately, research on José Monteiro da Rocha’s library illuminates the practices of acquiring, reading, and using scientific texts, thereby significantly contributing to the intellectual and cultural history of this crucial period. By studying Monteiro da Rocha’s library, we aim to shed light on the evolutionary landscape of scientific education in late 18th- and early 19th-century Portugal, emphasising the role of personal collections in shaping academic and cultural knowledge.
扫码关注我们
求助内容:
应助结果提醒方式:
