Development and propagation of the making of machines and scientific instruments. The case of Barcelona: XVII ­XIX centuries

Authors

  • Carles Puig-Pla

Keywords:

Scientific instruments, machines makers, experimental physics, Royal Academy of Natural Sciences and Arts, Board of Commerce

Abstract

Abstract: When the new scientific ideas were diffused over Spain, it was necessary to have machines and scientific instruments. In the second half of the XVIII century and the beginning of the XIX century, several particular and institutional initiatives took place in Barcelona which favoured the social recognition of craftsmen. The Board of Commerce encouraged the teaching of artificers. Prominent craftsmen, who worked together with distinguished academicians, were appointed academicians by the Royal Academy of Natural Sciences and Arts. They became machinists and instrument makers. Thus, it was possible to begin an autochthonous instrument manufacture.

Published

2007-05-13