Biographies > Disciples
Accademia del Cimento
(1657-1667)
Founded in
1657 by Prince Leopold and Grand Duke Ferdinand II de' Medici, the Accademia del Cimento was
Europe's first scientific society. Its main objectives were the development and
diffusion of Galilean experimental methodology. Under the motto "Provando e riprovando"
["Trying and trying again"], the Accademia
undertook a rigorously experimental verification of the principles of natural
philosophy, whose acceptance had hitherto rested largely on Aristotle's
authority. While there was no formal procedure for joining the society,
Francesco Redi, Lorenzo Magalotti
(the Secretary), Vincenzo Viviani,
Giovanni Alfonso Borelli, Carlo Renaldini,
and others regularly attended its meetings. These were usually held in the
Palazzo Pitti. Members performed numerous experiments,
mainly in the fields of thermometry, barometry, and pneumatics, using
purpose-built instruments. The Accademia ceased its
activities in 1667 with the publication of the Examples of Natural
Experiments, which described the main results of its research program.