Greifswald 2024 – scientific programme

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GP: Fachverband Geschichte der Physik

GP 6: Crossing Disciplinary and Institutional Boundaries

GP 6.1: Talk

Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 11:00–11:30, ELP 3: HS 2.33

Interplay of physics and chemistry at the University of Padua in the 18th century: a case of cross-fertilization among scientific disciplines — •Valentina Roberti — valentina.roberti@unipd.it

Established in 1222, the University of Padua experienced a vibrant scientific era during the 18th century. The scientific disciplines that emerged within the context of the scientific revolution found a place in academic yearbooks. Concurrently, the Republic of Venice promoted the establishment of the first scientific institutions for educational and research purposes. This contribution explores case studies of cross-fertilization between physics and chemistry, which significantly contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge, shaping the history of the University of Padua. Particular emphasis will be placed on the role played by Giovanni Poleni, appointed in 1739 to the chair of experimental philosophy, and Marco Carburi, professor of chemistry since 1759, in facilitating and promoting knowledge exchange using scientific instruments. Giovanni Antonio Dalla Bella and Nicolò da Rio, keen experimenters and students of Poleni and Carburi, respectively, were directly involved in the creation of a secret society, the so-called Società dei filochimici, with the aim of reproducing the pioneering experiments conducted in France by Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier. An analysis of the interplay between physics and chemistry will reveal connections between local scientists and the national and international scientific community.

Keywords: History of physics in the 18th century; Scientific instruments; Interrelations between scientific disciplines; Physics and chemistry at the University of Padua