Isaac Beekman

Question 1

Isaac Beekmans relation to Descartes

Answer 1

1. Met at Breda marketplace, both looking at a Placard detailing a mathematical problem to be solved, in Dutch
2. Beeckman translated the problem from Dutch to French for Descartes
3. Descartes convinced Beeckman to devote his studies to a mathematical approach to nature
4. Beeckman introduced Descartes to many of Galileo’s ideas
5. A year later they fell out over a work-related dispute
   but remained in contact until Beeckman’s death 1637

Question 2

Beeckmans life

Answer 2

1. Was a dutch philosopher born in 1588
2. Strong early education in his hometown + studied theology, literature and mathematics in Leiden
3. Returned to his hometown but couldn’t find a position as minister

–> he followed his father in the candle making business

4. Sold the business + went to study medicine
5. Married Cateline de Cerf with whom he had 7 children
6. Beeckman founded a Collegium Mechanicum, which is a technical college

Question 3

Beeckmans Work

Answer 3

1. Beeckman didn’t publish his ideas, but influenced many scientists of his time
2. Kept an extensive journal in which he noted many of his ideas + discoveries relating to mathematics, physics, music, medicine + logic
3. Cornelis de Waard rediscovered the Journal in 1905 and published it in volumes between 1939 and 1953:

• -> Developed concept that matter is composed of atoms
• -> In the analysis of the functioning of a pump he theorized correctly that air pressure is the cause