The teaching of the mathematical disciplines in sixteenth-century Spain (Q2432658)

The author examines some aspects of the teaching of mathematics and its applications in three of the principal sixteenth century Spanish universities (Salamanca, Valencia and Alcalá) and in other institutions sponsored by the monarchy, such as the Casa de la Contratación (House of Trade) of Seville and the so-called Academy of Mathematics of Madrid. He uncovers common characteristics and some peculiarities of the Spanish development in this field with those of other European countries or country-like regions. Focusing his investigations on the above named universities and institutions only, he omits the role of schools and private tutors in his considerations. The universities of Salamanca, Valencia and Alcalá became those ones in Spain which had a separate chair for teaching mathematical disciplines in the 16th century. After a short sketch of the general role of universities in Spain and their weakness in comparison with other European universities, the author presents a thorough analysis of the development at those three universities. He discusses the subjects which were taught and points out the influence of some outstanding persons. One of them was Jerómino Muñoz (?--1592) who held the chair of mathematics at Valencia from 1564 until 1578 and then at Salamanca. Another topic is the reforms of the statutes which took place at the universities of Salamanca and Alcalá and brought some changes in the teaching of mathematics. Characterizing the teaching of mathematics at the House of Trade, other nautical schools and the Academy of Mathematics the author states that it was oriented towards providing the foundations of navigation at the two first ones and it was oriented mainly towards subjects related to cosmography and navigation at the latter one. Although the different areas of teaching of mathematics imposed conditions on the discourses and practices of the mathematical disciplines, they did not impede the circulation of persons, knowledge, and practice among these areas.