In 1661 Kaspar Schott published his comprehensive textbook 'Cursus
mathematicus' in Würzburg for the first time, his 'Encyclopedia of
all mathematical sciences'. Its success was so great that it was
published again in 1674 and in 1677. By its 28 books Schott gave an
introduction for beginners into 22 mathematical disciplines by means
of 533 figures and numerous tables. He wanted to avoid the shortness
and the unintelligibility of his predecessors Alsted and Hérigone. He
cited or recommended by far more than hundred authors, among them
being Protestants like Michael Stifel, Johannes Kepler, but also
Catholics like Nicolaus Copernicus. The lecture will give a survey of
this work and will explain especially interesting aspects: The
dedication to the German emperor Leopold I., Athanasius Kircher's
letter of recommendation, Schott's classification of sciences,
explanations regarding geometry, astronomy, algebra.
NIke Dunk SB Low