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Bernat d’Olesa Rovera was a 16th-century Valencian physician known for his innovative synthesis of Aristotelian natural philosophy and early corpuscular theories of matter. His work, particularly on the nature of mater and mixtures, represents a interesting contribution to the 16th-century natural philosophy.[1]
Life
editLittle is known about Olesa's early life and education[2]. He was active during the first half of the 16th century and is best known for his comprehensive work, the Summa totius philosophiae et medicinae (1536), which encapsulates his philosophical and medical theories.[1]
Philosophical Contributions
editFusion of Corpuscular and Aristotelian Concepts
editOlesa's most significant contribution lies in his unique fusion of corpuscular (almost atomistic) views with Aristotelian concepts of matter and form. His Summa totius philosophiae et medicinae belongs to the category of works conceived in an Aristotelian atmosphere but that open the way for corpuscular explanations, particularly regarding what was known among Aristotelians as the problem of mixtio. [1]
Olesa's Theory of Mixtures
editOlesa's Theory of Mixtures revolves around the idea that the components of a mixture (miscibles) are arranged in a precise order, weight, and measure. According to Olesa, miscibles are so organized that a substantial forml form can be introduced into the matter, while the elements in the mixture retain their original essences.
Olesa also introduced the concept of "astral corpuscles," which are particles that connect the earth and celestial regions and are supposed to explain otherwise unexplainable "occult qualities." He believed that these corpuscles are of the same nature as the stars, which are moved by Celestial intelligences. The movement of celestial bodies influences these omnipresent astral corpuscles, contributing to the formation of every mixture.[1] This concept bears a resemblance to some alchemical ideas, where celestial influences were also believed to impact terrestrial substances and their transformations.
Corpuscularian Influence and "minima naturalia"
editOlesa's approach to natural philosophy was deeply influenced by early corpuscular theories, which later gained prominence in the 17th century. His theory of minimal sensibles and insensible minima naturalia suggested that matter could be understood in terms of tiny, indivisible particles.[1]
Unlike Aristotle, who affirmed that elements like water and air could transform through condensation and rarefaction,[3] Olesa believed that such transformations involved the separation and recombination of elemental minima, aligning more closely with atomistic theories. [1]
Reception and Influence
editDespite the innovative nature of his theories, Olesa's ideas did not gain significant reception among his contemporaries or later scholars.[1] And his Summa is considered an intellectual dead end. [2]
Works
edit- Summa totius philosophiae et medicinae (1536)[1]
Legacy
editOlesa's work represents an interesting but isolated attempt to reconcile Aristotelian natural philosophy with emerging corpuscular theories. His ideas on mixtures, while not widely adopted, provide valuable insight into the transitional period of early modern science. [1][2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i Navarro-Brotons, Victor (2013), Roux, Sophie; GARBER, DAN (eds.), "Matter and Form in Sixteenth-Century Spain: Some Case Studies", The Mechanization of Natural Philosophy, Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands, pp. 99–116, doi:10.1007/978-94-007-4345-8_4, ISBN 978-94-007-4345-8, retrieved 2024-06-03
- ^ a b c Jesseph, Doug (September 2014). "The Rise of the "Mechanical Philosophy": Current Scholarship on Seventeenth-Century ScienceDaniel Garber and Sophie Roux. The Mechanization of Natural Philosophy . Boston Studies in the Philosophy of Science 300. Dordrecht: Springer, 2013. Pp. xviii+327. $139.00 (cloth)". HOPOS: The Journal of the International Society for the History of Philosophy of Science. 4 (2): 351–357. doi:10.1086/676672. ISSN 2152-5188.
- ^ Wang, Xiaona (2018), "Rarefaction and Condensation", in Sgarbi, Marco (ed.), Encyclopedia of Renaissance Philosophy, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 1–6, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-02848-4_1173-1, ISBN 978-3-319-02848-4, retrieved 2024-06-03
Category:Natural philosophers Category:Philosophers Category:Aristotelian philosophers Category:Atomism Category:Alchemy Category:16th century Category:Renaissance philosophy Category:Renaissance