The structure and dynamics of scholarly networks between the Dutch Republic and the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in the 17th century

This study uses computational techniques developed by social network scientists to reconstruct and analyze the epistolary relations between the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and the Dutch Republic during the reign of Cosimo III (1670-1723). The lively epistolary exchange between these two societies allows for a comprehensive view on the transconfessional Republic of Letters, providing a framework to study the ways in which early modern scholars capitalized on opportunities in the social structure to which they were connected. Dutch and Tuscan scholars often had to deal with many tensions and inefficiencies at a time in which the openness of communication was not always guaranteed. These tensions ranged from restrictions imposed by the Roman Inquisition to scholarly rivalries. As a result, they often found themselves between extremes, struggling to find a balance in dealing with these tensions. They had to strategically negotiate between transparency and secrecy in written communication, between friendly and hostile relationships, and between open and closed circles in their network. The digital turn of the last decades affords the unique opportunity to chart these dynamics. In particular, the value of this research lies in the combination of methods for network analysis for distant reading of large sets of letters with close reading devoted to achieving a deep understanding of the historical source. I have coined this approach as “disclose reading”.