Introduction

Cities, long-distance corporations and open air sciences

“…Except during the tenure of Johannes Ciermans in about 1640, who in his instruction devoted much attention to engineering and the art of war, the emphasis in the Jesuits' mathematics course was normally not on practical applications. 28 The practical mathematical and technical acumen of Jesuit professors and lay brothers (such as master-mason Pieter Huyssens) was primarily brought to bear on the design of their own flagship church in Antwerp, St Carolus Borromeus, built between 1615 and 1621, which became one of the iconic sights of the city. To realise this project, the Society was again able to attract substantial financial support from rich Antwerp families.…”