Punctator at the University of Bologna in the era of Copernican studies Cover Image

Punctator w Uniwersytecie Bolońskim w dobie studiów Kopernika
Punctator at the University of Bologna in the era of Copernican studies

Author(s): Stanisław A. Sroka
Subject(s): History of ideas, History of Education, 16th Century
Published by: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika
Keywords: University of Bologna; punctator; Copernicus in Bologna;

Summary/Abstract: Nicolaus Copernicus studied canon and civil law in Bologna in the years 1496-1500. The article analyses the preserved lists of class absences kept by professors at the University of Bologna during Copernicus's studies (attendance was checked by a special university official called a punctator). Additionally, the opinions contained in the draft list of classes (rotuls) for the academic year 1506/7 were analysed. Copernicus was no longer in Bologna at that time (he left in 1500), but they were the same professors who taught during his studies in Bologna. The analysis of these sources leads to the cautious conclusion that Nicolaus Copernicus's law studies in Bologna may have been disappointing for him, due to, on the one hand, the dull professors at law universities, and, on the other hand, their rather unconscientious approach to lectures resulting in their students missing or showing little interest in these lectures. On the other hand, at the university of artists and medics (where, among other things, astronomy was taught) worked a group of above-average lecturers whom a young Copernicus could listen to, and who were certainly lacking at law universities.

  • Issue Year: 71/2024
  • Issue No: Sp.
  • Page Range: 7-17
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Polish
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