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Life > People > Giovanfrancesco Sagredo

Giovanfrancesco Sagredo

1571-1620

Studied privately with Galileo (1564-1642) in Padua from 1597 to c. 1600. Treasurer of Palmanova (Friuli) (1605-1607) and Venetian consul in Syria (1608-1611). Despite these long absences, he remained closely linked to Galileo. On his return to Venice, in 1611, he resumed his correspondence with the Pisan scientist—now back in Tuscany—which continued until Sagredo's death. An active amateur scientist, Sagredo conducted experiments on magnetism, optics, mechanics, and thermometry. As a token of their sincere friendship, Galileo gave his name to one of the protagonists of his mature work, the Dialogues.