Episode 21: Nuno Castel-Branco, Nicolas Steno-The Traveling Anatomist

Dr. Nuno Castel-Branco is a historian of science, culture, and religion with a focus on early modern Europe. Currently he is a research fellow of All Souls College at the University of Oxford. In this episode, Dr. Castel-Branco discusses his new book on the life and work of Blessed Nicolas Steno, The Traveling Anatomist Nicolaus Steno and the Intersection of Disciplines in Early Modern Science (Univ of Chicago Press). Steno is considered the founder of modern geology and Dr. Castel-Branco discusses his training in medicine and his early work in anatomy as well as his travels throughout Europe. Dr. Castel-Branco talks about the nature of Steno’s conversion to the Catholic faith and his continued interest in science following that conversion. Steno’s importance in helping foster the development of scientific networks in Christian Europe during the 17th century is also examined in this discussion. In addition to his academic work, Dr. Castel-Branco also maintains a substack called Stories of Science that examines the history of science for a popular audience.