Astrology in the College of Sorbonne (Late 13th Century-Early 14th Century)

The College of Sorbonne was founded in the University of Paris by Robert de Sorbon in the mid-thirteenth century. Soon after its foundation, thanks to several large bequests, it included two collections of books : a library for loans and a chained library for consultation. Both collections were representative of the knowledge available and circulating at the end of the 13th century, and so included mathematical disciplines. The main part of the scientific collection originated from two private libraries. First, Gérard d’Abbeville bequeathed 300 books to the institution in 1272. Part of his bequest came from Richard of Fournival’s library († 1260). This scholar was chancellor of the Cathedral of Amiens, as well as an expert in mathematics and especially in the science of the stars (astronomy and astrology). Then, in 1306, Pierre de Limoges, former fellow of the Sorbonne bequeathed 120 volumes. He was described in the obituary of the College as a ‘great astronomer’ (magnus astronomus). Indeed, several of his works and manuscripts show his interest in astrology and astronomy. In this paper, I will study the construction of the collection of astrological manuscripts belonging to the Sorbonne, which was one of the most important in Europe for the late 13th century and for the 14th century. Thanks to the extant manuscripts, I will retrace Pierre de Limoges’s readings and practices of astrology within this framework. I will also demonstrate that the high level practice of astrology in those times was often a matter for theologians rather than for students in the arts faculty.