Federico Cesi (1585–1630) and the correspondence network of his Accademia dei Lincei

Abstract

The difficulties in the circulation of ideas due to geographical distance are very noticeable in the work of the founder of the Academy of the Lincei, prince Federico Cesi. He was convinced that only collaboration between several scientists would widen the scientific horizons. The activities of the Academy were regulated by a statute written in Latin, the Lynceographum. In this document Cesi pointed out the necessity of 'diminishing' geographical distances through 'peregrination' and the foundation of similar institutions, so-called Licei, in Italy and abroad. This paper focuses on the long publication process of the Mexican Treasury (1611–1651), in which the extent of Lyncean network can be observed, and draws attention to the many practical difficulties that needed to be overcome in the collaboration between geographically separated scholars.