Jan Tesánek
Encyclopedia
Jan Tesánek (1728–1788) was a Bohemia
n scholar and author of scientific literature.
Tesánek studied a gymnasium (school)
in Prague and later at Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University. In 1745, he became a Jesuit and studied mathematics, physics and astronomy under Joseph Stepling. Stepling introduced Tesánek to the works of Isaac Newton
. After finishing the Faculty of Philosophy, Tesánek continued with study of theology
. Then he was ordained priest and became professor of physics
at the Charles university. Later, he taught mathematics at the University of Olomouc. Two years later he returned to Prague to assume position of professor of high mathematics at the Universiry. He stayed at the University also following the dissolution of Jesuit order in 1773 and assumed position of head of Department of Mathematics and Physics in 1778. Tesánek is known for his many writings on the science of the day, helping to spread knowledge of scientific findings throughout Europe.
Bohemia
Bohemia is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two-thirds of the traditional Czech Lands. It is located in the contemporary Czech Republic with its capital in Prague...
n scholar and author of scientific literature.
Tesánek studied a gymnasium (school)
Gymnasium (school)
A gymnasium is a type of school providing secondary education in some parts of Europe, comparable to English grammar schools or sixth form colleges and U.S. college preparatory high schools. The word γυμνάσιον was used in Ancient Greece, meaning a locality for both physical and intellectual...
in Prague and later at Faculty of Philosophy of Charles University. In 1745, he became a Jesuit and studied mathematics, physics and astronomy under Joseph Stepling. Stepling introduced Tesánek to the works of Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton
Sir Isaac Newton PRS was an English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist, and theologian, who has been "considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived."...
. After finishing the Faculty of Philosophy, Tesánek continued with study of theology
Theology
Theology is the systematic and rational study of religion and its influences and of the nature of religious truths, or the learned profession acquired by completing specialized training in religious studies, usually at a university or school of divinity or seminary.-Definition:Augustine of Hippo...
. Then he was ordained priest and became professor of physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
at the Charles university. Later, he taught mathematics at the University of Olomouc. Two years later he returned to Prague to assume position of professor of high mathematics at the Universiry. He stayed at the University also following the dissolution of Jesuit order in 1773 and assumed position of head of Department of Mathematics and Physics in 1778. Tesánek is known for his many writings on the science of the day, helping to spread knowledge of scientific findings throughout Europe.
Major works
- Miscellanea mathematica (1764, 1769)
- Sectiones conoidum (1764)
- Pertractatio quorundam modorum quaestiones geometricas resolvendi (1770)
- Pertractatio elementorum calculi integralis (1771)
- Isaaci Newtoni Libri I. principiorum mathematicorum philosophiae naturalis Sect. I-V exposita (1769)
- Betrachtungen über eine Stelle der allgmeinen Arithmetik Isaac Newtons (1784)
- Versuch über einige Stellen in Newtons Principiis (1776)
- Algebraische Behandlung der XII Section des I. Buches des grossen Werkes Newtons (1777)
- Philosophiae naturalis principia mathematica, auctore Isaaco Newtono, illustrata commentationibus potissimum Is. Tesanek et quibusdam in locis commentation ibus veterioribus clarissimorum Thom. Le Sueur et Fried. Jacquier, ex Gallicana Minorum familia Matheseos Professorum aliter propositis (Tesánek's most important work, two books, 1780 a 1785).