Giovanni Francesco Crivelli facts for kids

Giovanni Francesco Crivelli (born September 20, 1690, in Venice – died September 20, 1743) was an Italian priest. He was also a talented mathematician and physicist. Crivelli was a member of a religious group called the Somaschi Fathers. He worked at the Cloister of the Health. Later, he became a leader for his order and ran a school in Murano.

Crivelli's Important Books

Giovanni Francesco Crivelli wrote two important teaching books. The first was called Elements of Numeral and Literal Arithmetic. It was published in Venice in 1728. This book taught about numbers and algebra.

His second book was Elements of Physics. It came out in Venice in 1731. A bigger version was published in 1744. Sadly, his original handwritten notes for these books are now lost.

Why Elements of Physics Was Special

The Elements of Physics book was very important for several reasons. It was a popular textbook that helped many students learn about science. The first part of the book covered topics still taught in high school science today. However, it did not cover electromagnetic ideas, which were new at the time.

The book also talked about space and planets. Crivelli greatly admired famous scientists like Galileo and Newton. He called Galileo "the prince of the scientists." Crivelli also recognized how much Arabic Muslim civilizations helped create the scientific method.

Crivelli's Modern Ideas

Crivelli's explanation of the scientific method was very advanced. It was similar to ideas that came much later. His writing style was also new and fresh. He used clear Italian and gave detailed descriptions of many experiments. Some of these experiments were even done outside Europe.

He also showed different ideas from scientists on topics discussed back then. Crivelli understood that theoretical physics was just as important as experimental physics. Theoretical physics uses math and ideas to explain how things work. Experimental physics involves doing tests and observations.

Recognition and Rediscovery

Giovanni Francesco Crivelli's work was valued even outside Italy. In January 1734, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group of scientists in England. His books are still kept in the Royal Society's library.

After his death, Crivelli was mostly forgotten for a long time. But recently, his important work has been rediscovered and recognized again.