Spallanzani: The Early Years
Spallanzani grew up as a curious boy, who was eager to learn; he spent his time questioning life's curiosities. While most young boys were playing games, he spent time dissecting bugs in an attempt to put them back together. Even from boyhood, Spallanzani had an innate desire to learn and study the causes of certain natural reactions. On a trip to the woods in Italy, he came across natural springs. His priest and parents told him that the water was from the tears of young women who had found themselves to be lost. Even at his young age, Spallanzani knew that there had to be something scientific causing the existence of these springs.
With a desire to study the natural sciences, Spallanzani intended to study science at University. However, being a doting son he respected his father’s wishes and chose to study Law at the University of Bologna. In his spare time he continued to pursue his varied interests such as language (specifically Greek and French) and Logic (otherwise known as philosophy). It was not until scientist, Vallisnieri, recognized his talent for science did Spallanzani begin his life as a scientist. With his father’s blessing, Spallanzani left the University of Bologna in exchange to become a scientist at the University of Reggio.
Spallanzani could be considered to be a true renaissance man. He held a love for science in his heart, but his interests expanded beyond the world of that discipline. Spallanzani translated texts of ancient poets, studied mathematics with brilliant ease, wrote a scientific paper on the mechanics of stone skipping (which touches upon the basic properties of physics), and was even ordained as a Catholic priest. By reading Sunday mass, Spallanzani provided for all of his interests. By having a well rounded education and intellect, it is no surprise that Spallanzani made major contributions to the scientific community.
Spallanzani lived in a time where science was becoming rapidly popular. Spallanzani and his generation began to openly question the authority and accuracy of the church and religion itself; something like this was unheard of before. With less stress on religion and strict-outdated social conventions, people began to start studying our world in depth and contextualizing the basis of scientific study that we know today. This exciting time provided the environment that was necessary for Spallanzani to thrive. Spallanzani questioned life and took theories to test for himself, as he was meticulous in that the world knew the truth about what is around them.
With a desire to study the natural sciences, Spallanzani intended to study science at University. However, being a doting son he respected his father’s wishes and chose to study Law at the University of Bologna. In his spare time he continued to pursue his varied interests such as language (specifically Greek and French) and Logic (otherwise known as philosophy). It was not until scientist, Vallisnieri, recognized his talent for science did Spallanzani begin his life as a scientist. With his father’s blessing, Spallanzani left the University of Bologna in exchange to become a scientist at the University of Reggio.
Spallanzani could be considered to be a true renaissance man. He held a love for science in his heart, but his interests expanded beyond the world of that discipline. Spallanzani translated texts of ancient poets, studied mathematics with brilliant ease, wrote a scientific paper on the mechanics of stone skipping (which touches upon the basic properties of physics), and was even ordained as a Catholic priest. By reading Sunday mass, Spallanzani provided for all of his interests. By having a well rounded education and intellect, it is no surprise that Spallanzani made major contributions to the scientific community.
Spallanzani lived in a time where science was becoming rapidly popular. Spallanzani and his generation began to openly question the authority and accuracy of the church and religion itself; something like this was unheard of before. With less stress on religion and strict-outdated social conventions, people began to start studying our world in depth and contextualizing the basis of scientific study that we know today. This exciting time provided the environment that was necessary for Spallanzani to thrive. Spallanzani questioned life and took theories to test for himself, as he was meticulous in that the world knew the truth about what is around them.