Pedro Nunes

Pedro Nunes (latin, Petrus Nonius), (1502, Alcácer do Sal – August 11, 1578, Coimbra) was a Portuguese mathematician, born from a New Christian (of Jewish origin) family.

Life

Little is known about Nunes' early Education. He studied at the University of Salamanca, maybe from 1521 until 1522, and at the University of Lisbon (this University later become the University of Coimbra) where he obtained a degree in medicine in 1525. In the 16th century medicine used astrology, so he also learned astronomy and mathematics. He continued his medical studies but held various teaching posts within the University of Lisbon, including Moral, Philosophy, Logic and Metaphysics. When, in 1537, the Portuguese University located in Lisbon returned to Coimbra, he moved to the re-founded University of Coimbra to teach mathematics, a post he held until 1562. This was a new post in the University of Coimbra and it was set up to provide instruction in the technical requirements for navigation, clearly a topic of great importance in Portugal at this period when control of sea trade was the chief source of Portuguese wealth. Mathematics became an independent post in 1544.

Related Topics:
University of Salamanca - 1521 - 1522 - University of Coimbra - Medicine - 1525 - 16th century - Astrology - Astronomy - Moral - Philosophy - Logic - Metaphysics - 1537 - 1562 - 1544

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In addition to teaching he was appointed Royal Cosmographer in 1529 and Chief Royal Cosmographer in 1547 up to his death.

Related Topics:
1529 - 1547

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In 1531, King John III of Portugal charged Nunes with the education of his younger brothers Luís and Henry. Years later Nunes was also charged with the education of the king's grandson, and future king, Sebastian.

Related Topics:
1531 - John III of Portugal - Henry - Sebastian

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It's possible that while at Coimbra University, Christopher Clavius attended Pedro Nunes' classes, and was influenced by his works.

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