Abstract
THE first annual report of the reconstituted Pontifical Academy (Annuario della Pontificia Accademia delle Scienze, 1 ; 1936–37) has been received. The origin of this Academy, in common with that of the Royal National Academy of the Lincei, can be traced back to the foundation in 1603 by Federico Cesi of the ancient Accademia dei Lincei. Founded in Rome with the object of uniting together those interested in the study of the sciences, the Academy adopted the title “of the lynxes” from the supposed sharp -sightedness of those animals. Many of the most famous men of science of the period became members, amongst them Galileo, who received much support from the Academy. Soon after the death of Cesi in 1630, the activities and influence of the Academy declined, but several attempts at revival were made during the next hundred and fifty years. These efforts had no lasting success, however, until about 1800, when there was a greatly increased activity due mainly to the exertions of Abbot Scarpellini, encouraged by Papal support. Shortly after Scarpellini's death the Academy came under the direct control of the Pontiff, and in 1847 received from Pius IX the title of Pontificia Accademia dei Nuovi Lincei.
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Pontifical Academy of Sciences. Nature 140, 965 (1937). https://doi.org/10.1038/140965a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/140965a0