THE LIFE OF PEIRESC

1595. After he had noted the details, he immediately reported them to his uncle. His uncle wished to please him. He granted him two other coins and also books to provide more thorough instruction. From this time, his extremely curious mind caught fire like a blaze in the woods. He began to eagerly collect and gather as many ancient coins as possible. He applied himself with intense study to reading and interpreting each one. On this occasion, he also began to search for and carefully observe all inscriptions, whether they were funeral markers or other types.

1596. He was then sent with his brother to Tournon A town in southeast France, home to a famous college founded by Cardinal de Tournon.. There he was to finish the so-called curriculum of Philosophy The standard course of study in Jesuit colleges involving logic, physics, and metaphysics. under the fathers of the Society of Jesus. His brother was still occupied with classical studies. Because Peiresc burned with a passion for Mathematics, he eagerly embraced the study of Cosmography The science that maps the general features of the universe, including both heaven and earth. taught there. He was certain that history is entirely obscure and impassable without that science and without Chronology The science of arranging events in their order of occurrence in time..

Thus, after mastering the use of the sphere, he also learned the use of the Astrolabe An ancient astronomical instrument used for solving problems relating to time and the position of the stars.. He wrote repeated letters complaining to a certain craftsman. This man had previously promised to build an astrolabe but had not performed the work with enough diligence. Meanwhile, he did not reduce his study of antiquities original: "rei antiquariæ.". Because of this interest, he was especially dear to Pierre Royer, one of the professors. He also did not neglect his general classical studies. He watched over his brother's progress in these subjects like a teacher. To have enough time for these tasks, he used to study late into the night. Consequently, his stomach weakness worsened. This was due partly to his natural constitution and partly to his constant work and long night vigils. He had already contracted this weakness, and he now increased the dust...