Science and Technology

From the early days of the founding of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits have been engaged in various intellectual enterprises. These have included teaching, research, and writing. The Jesuit thrust to "find God in all things" has had the result that these efforts were not solely confined to the more "ecclesiastical" disciplines (like philosophy and theology), but were extended to the more "mundane" or "secular" disciplines. In the areas of science and technology many Jesuits have made, and continue to make, contributions. These contributions range from astronomy and algebra to natural history and geography.

  • Seeing Stars! Over the years, the Jesuits have had a significant role to play in the running of the Vatican Observatory. This link provides a current view of those efforts, whether they be in Rome or in the state of Arizona in the United States.
  • Inner space has had it share of Jesuit influence too! Since 1931 the Society of Jesuit has been entrusted with the management of the Vatican Radio. This modern technological means of communication continues to be a major interest of the Society.
  • Jesuits and the Sciences — Trace the careers of various Jesuits involved in scientific research from the years 1540 to 1995.
  • Jesuits in China — Vatican historical and art exhibit in text and pictures examining the relationship of Rome and China with a particular emphasis on the role of the Jesuits. A graphical interface is a must to view the exhibit pictures!
  • A Description of Mozambique. The text and illustrations of a 17th-centry neo-Latin manuscript by the Jesuit Michal Boym now in the Jesuit Archives in Rome. It includes images of the original text, transcriptions of the Latin, and illustrations of flora and fauna.
  • A noted Jesuit scientist-philosopher-theologian of this century was Teilhard de Chardin. There are numerous sites on the Web devoted to him. Here are some relevant links: Teilhard de Chardin.
  • Leaping from the 17th century to the end of the 20th — Several teachers of mathematics have found a way to integrate issues of faith and justice with the teaching of secondary-level mathematics. Math for a Change is the result of their effort. It consists of materials which can be used to supplement a standard mathematics course with examples which highlight societal issues.
  • Wheeling Jesuit College in West Virginia is one of the many schools which have a chapter of the group devoted to Technology Transfer for Society.
  • Jesuits in Science is an association of Jesuit scientists, priests and brothers, engaged in research, teaching, pastoral and humanitarian work in the physical and biological sciences in many countries worldwide.
  • Athanasius Kircher — Links, with a Geoscience Bias; Administrator: Klaus-Peter Kelber
  • Adventures of 30 Jesuit scientists — Contributions made by scientists such as Acosta, Aguilon, Boscovich, Clavius, Grimaldi, Kircher, Pozzo, Riccati, Saccheri, Secchi, Verbiest, Saint Vincent. Also the 35 Jesuit lunar craters and the origins of that “Jesuit science” seismology.