In 1772, the University of Coimbra underwent a major reform, which had particular impact on the teaching of scientific subjects. In this context, two new faculties were created: the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of Mathematics, with a teaching plan for experimental sciences modelled on the highest European standards. The plan of the Reformer Rector, Francisco de Lemos, sought to identify the causes of the University’s decline and to propose measures for its reform. The diagnosis had an eloquent title with the publication of the “Historical Compendium of the State of the University of Coimbra during the time of the so-called Jesuit invasion and the damage caused to the Sciences and the professors, and directors who governed through machinations, and publications of the new statutes produced by them.”.
The Faculty of Philosophy was installed in the Jesuit College, a building reappropriated by William Elsden to house the equipment used for the teaching of experimental sciences. This became the home of the Anatomy Theatre, the Pharmaceutical Dispensary and the Cabinets of Natural History and Experimental Physics. The Cabinet of Physics, created by Giovanni Antonio Dalla Bella, contributed a great deal to the revitalisation of the teaching of this science, based on the promotion of Newtonian philosophy. Many of the scientific instruments that form part of the collection of didactic Physics instruments at the University of Coimbra date from this period, recognised in 2016 as a Historic Site by the European Physical Society. In association with the Faculty of Mathematics, an Astronomical Observatory was created, bringing together a vast collection of instruments made by the finest manufacturers in London.
With the Pombaline Reform, Chemistry and Natural History emerged in Portugal in a remarkably timely fashion, under the influence of Domenico Vandelli. These were the scientific areas that gave the most auspicious results, stimulating better knowledge of the natural resources of the kingdom and the Portuguese colonial empire. The modern Chemistry Laboratory directed by Vandelli — appointed by the Marquis of Pombal as a reader of Natural History and Chemistry at the University of Coimbra — was set up in a fully remodelled building, where was previously located the refectory of the former Jesuit colleges. The Botanic Garden, designed and also directed by Vandelli, was created with the aim of complementing the study of Natural History and Medicine. State support ensured that young naturalists served the Court through philosophical journeys that brought to light new scientific knowledge and proceed with the prospecting of natural resources within its territorial domains.
During the course of its history, the printing press created in Coimbra in 1530 gave rise to a new press called the Real Officina da Universidade, which was installed in a vacant cloister of the Old Cathedral. What was now the Royal Press — which, in the terms of the King’s charter, should “be useful and make itself respectable through the perfection of its characters and the abundance and neatness of its prints” — was responsible for printing the Reform manuals and had the privilege of printing the Ordinances of the Kingdom.
The University of Coimbra has been on the list of recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2013.
Décio Ruivo Martins, with Alexandra Pais, Alexandre Dias Pereira, and Teresa Girão
Professors at the University of Coimbra
