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Darrera modificació: 2022-10-17
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Martelli, Matteo, "Healing Tombs and Remains of Ancient Physicians and Natural Philosophers: Between the Greek and the Arabic Tradition", dins: Beretta, Marco - Conforti, Maria - Mazarello, Paolo (eds.), Savant Relics: Brains and Remains of Scientists, Sagamore Beach, Watson Publishing International, 2016, pp. 43-66.

Resum

Relics of scientists are numerous and the practice of preserving and studying them covers a surprisingly long period, from the late Medieval time to the mid- Twentieth century. What inspired then natural scientists or the public of the curious and savants to preserve the bodies of their ancestors or scientific heroes as relics? Which was the role of these relics within scientific culture? Motivations varied and included commemorative rituals; strategies to perpetuate memory; establishing the superiority of eminent scientists by investigating the size and anatomy of their brains phrenology onwards; the institutionalization of the offering to the fellow scientists the corpse for scientific purposes; last but not least the fear of being buried alive, that had become an obsession in 18th century Europe.

Matèries

Religió
Història de la ciència

URL

https:/​/​www.academia.edu/​37819449/​Savant_Relics_Bra ...