Abraham de Grau

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Abraham de Grau (Latin Gravius ; born August 14, 1632 in Wanswerd , Friesland , † September 8, 1683 in Franeker ) was a Dutch philosopher and mathematician .

Life

Abraham de Grau was a son of the preacher Samuel Petri de Grau and Titia Alberti, who worked in Wanswerd. He received his first lessons from his father and studied from April 1651 at the University of Franeker and from August 1654 at that of Groningen the exact sciences , philosophy and theology . After completing his studies and obtaining the master's degree, he became professor of mathematics in Franeker in 1657. During this period of his effectiveness he wrote his mathematical handbooks ( Beginselen de Rechenkonst de l'Algebra ), which for a long time were highly regarded in his fatherland.

When the mathematical sciences no longer corresponded to the taste of the time and the number of students began to decrease, Grau obtained permission to hold philosophical lectures and he found unexpectedly great applause from the audience. He laid down the results of his research in a history of philosophy ( Historia philosophica , Franeker 1674), which testifies to precise expertise and great acumen, but only extends to the time of Aristotle . It is characterized by a pleasant and clear presentation. Grau also wrote Specimina philosophica veteris, in qua novae quaedam ostenduntur (Franeker 1672).

Grau, who was married first to Rixtia Doenga and secondly to Elisabeth Gisia, died on September 8, 1683 at the age of 51 in Franeker.

literature

personal data
SURNAME Grau, Abraham de
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Gravius, Abraham de
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Dutch philosopher and mathematician
DATE OF BIRTH August 14, 1632
PLACE OF BIRTH Wanswerd , Friesland
DATE OF DEATH September 8, 1683
Place of death Franeker