'Mixed' mathematics in engineering education in Spain: Pedro Lucuce's course at the Barcelona Royal Military Academy of Mathematics in the eighteenth century

摘要

Engineering in Spain developed as a scientific profession during the nineteenth century. Nevertheless, the idea of combining theory and practice was forged in the eighteenth century as a result of several influences. The example of the Royal Military Academy of Mathematics of Barcelona established in 1720 seems particularly interesting from this point of view insofar as its main goal was to supply knowledge in mathematics to young and experienced officers in three main military fields: engineering, artillery and the navy. In 1739, an Ordinance of the Royal Academy established a general course of mathematics to train military engineers. This course was prepared by its director Pedro Lucuce and it centred on 'mixed' mathematics, i.e. those domains useful in warfare and engineering. It became a pillar of the academy's curriculum. By analysing the course content, the authors hope to shed light on a number of aspects relating to this training and to test the hypothesis that Lucuce's programme should be understood as falling within the tradition of the mathematical courses, launched in the seventeenth century.