The Science of Naples: Making Knowledge in Italy’s Pre-eminent City, 1500-1700

In the early modern period, Naples was one of the most important capitals in Europe. As an international centre of learning, Naples encouraged debates on natural philosophy and science which promoted intellectual networking and the transfer of knowledge. Operating within the university, academies, hospitals, monasteries and private spaces, local scientists researched a variety of topics that included medicine, surgery, anatomy (both human and animal), the art of barbers, and pharmacology.

Scientists and intellectuals also studied the medical implications of other disciplines. Research on medicine and cosmology encouraged circulation of books on physiognomy, metoposcopy and astrological medicine, which in some cases were placed on the list of prohibited books and published outside Naples.

Moreover, the geological structure of Campania positioned Naples at the forefront of research in disciplines such as earth sciences, paleontology, volcanology, seismology and environmental studies. The large number of manuscript and printed texts on these subjects in the city are testament to its status as a major nexus for the circulation of ideas. This intellectual climate attracted scholars from all over Europe, who corresponded with Neapolitan scientists, visited the city's museums and laboratories, purchased books and frequented local academies.

The importance of early modern Naples is becoming increasingly recognised in current scholarship. Accordingly, this workshop will examine the city's position as a scientific research hub that cut across disciplinary, national and ideological boundaries.

Speakers: 

• Daniel Canaris
• Silvana D’Alessio
• Gabriella Di Martino
• Irene Galandra Cooper
• David Gentilcore
• Lorenza Gianfrancesco
• Frank James
• Francesco Lofano
• Alfonso Paolella
• Gennaro Rispoli
• Laura Scalabrella Spada
• Felix Waldmann

Keynote speaker: Prof. David Gentilcore (University of Leicester and Aix-Marseille Université)

The full programme is available on the workshop website. Admission is free, but registration is required.

For further information, please contact: scienceofnaples2018@gmail.com