Texture, Weaving and Natural Philosophy in the 17th Century

Michael Friedman's book offers an analysis of Joachim Jungius’ »Texturæ Contemplatio« - a hitherto-unpublished manuscript written in German and Latin that deals with weaving, knitting and other textile practices, attempting to present as well various fabrics and textile techniques in a scientifical and even mathematical framework. The book aims to provide the epistemological, technical and historic framework for Jungius’ manuscript, inspecting fabrics, weaving techniques as well as looms and other textile machines in the Holy Roman Empire during the Early Modern Period. It also offers a unique investigation of the notion and metaphor of ›texture‹ during this period, and explores, within the wider context of the ›meeting‹ or ›trading zones‹ thesis, the relations between artisans and natural philosophers during the 17th century. The book is of interest to historians of philosophy and mathematics, as well as historians of technology.

The book is also the first to cover the unique encounters between weaving and mathematics at early modern Europe and is part of the book series International Archives of the History of Ideas Archives internationales d'histoire des idées (ARCH, volume 249). More info can be found on the website of Springer Link.

Book Presentation and Discussion

Please save the date for a Book Launch on February 22nd, 2024 on the premises of the Cluster in Sophienstraße 22a in Berlin-Mitte, Central Laboratory at 6 pm. After Michael Friedman’s presentation of his latest book, he will be joined by Horst Bredekamp for a discussion, which will be moderated by Wolfgang Schäffner, and followed by a Q&A.