Biographies > Disciples
Vincenzo Viviani
(1622-1703)
Vincenzo Viviani studied mathematics at the Scolopian
school under the guidance of Clemente Settimi (1612-?), a Galilean. He developed a deep affection
for Galileo (1564-1642), whom he assisted from October 1639 until the Pisan scientist's death. Ferdinand II (1610-1670) and Cosimo III (1642-1723) appointed Viviani
to key official positions. He was a leading participant in the Accademia del Cimento, proposing
many experiments. For many decades, he also served as engineer to the Magistratura di Parte Guelfa [Magistrature
of the Guelph Party]: in this capacity, he was responsible
for waterway regulation and territorial supervision.
In his long career,
he published many mathematical works, nearly always conceived as elaborations
of the Galilean heritage. He celebrated the Master's memory and kept it alive,
for example by editing a substantial edition of Galileo's works (Bologna,
1656). In 1654, he composed the Racconto istorico della vita di Galileo [Historical
account of Galileo's life] (1654) in the form of a letter to Prince Leopold
de' Medici (1617-1675). Unpublished until 1717, this biography was later well
received. Viviani dedicated much time to the
systematic collection of documents and letters by Galileo and eyewitness
accounts. He left a legacy in his will for the erection of a sepulchral
monument to Galileo in the basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. On the façade
of his house-on the street now known as Via San Antonino-he
put up a bust of Galileo flanked by two long commemorative inscriptions.