André do Avelar and the teaching of Sacrobosco's sphaera at the University of Coimbra

Abstract

André do Avelar was the mathematics professor of University of Coimbra from 1592 to 1616. During his lifetime he published two astronomical works: a popular vernacular book called Reportorio dos tempos (1585) and Sphaerae vtrivsque tabella (1593). Avelar's Sphaera, composed for use at the university, was the only Latin version of Sacrobosco's work ever published in Portugal. Avelar's book was inspired by Sacrobosco's work and followed it closely, but it might be regarded as a new work, because he changed the wording and the order of presentation of the topics, added new information and several tables. After his retirement, Avelar was accused of Jewish beliefs and practices, and was condemned by the Inquisition in 1620, dying in prison. This paper analyzes Avelar's life, his work at the University of Coimbra, the content and role of his Sphaera, his career, and his trial by the Inquisition.