202220th Ann of the Pombaline Reform of the University of Combra - First Day Cover

In 1772, the University of Coimbra underwent a major reform, which had particular impact on the teaching of scientific subjects. In this context, two new faculties were created: the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of Mathematics, with a teaching plan for experimental sciences modelled on the highest European standards. The plan of the Reformer Rector, Francisco de Lemos, sought to identify the causes of the University’s decline and to propose measures for its reform. The diagnosis had an eloquent title with the publication of the “Historical Compendium of the State of the University of Coimbra during the time of the so-called Jesuit invasion and the damage caused to the Sciences and the professors, and directors who governed through machinations, and publications of the new statutes produced by them.”.