Abstract
Isaac Beeckman’s investigations of atmospheric instruments shed new light on his epistemic and natural philosophical ideas and practices. Atmospheric experiences in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century are closely linked to the tradition of natural magic and the critique of Aristotelian meteorology. Beeckman’s dealings with the thermoscope and other apparatus fit this picture, too, and add a new dimension to his pioneering in mechanical philosophy. Central to this chapter are his responses and eventual understanding of the perpetuum mobile of Cornelis Drebbel, a figure who appears intellectually more close to Beeckman than is often assumed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Knowledge and Culture in the Early Dutch Republic |
| Subtitle of host publication | Isaac Beeckman in Context |
| Editors | Klaas van Berkel, Albert Clement, Arjan van Dixhoorn |
| Place of Publication | London |
| Publisher | Routledge |
| Pages | 369-392 |
| Number of pages | 24 |
| Edition | 1 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-104077728-2 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-946372253-7 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2025 |
Keywords
- NLA
- Cornelis Drebbel
- Isaac Beeckman
- natural magic
- perpetuum mobile
- atmospheric instruments
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