Jesuit astronomer and mathematician, born Bamberg, Bavaria, March 25, 1538; died Rome, Italy, February 12, 1612. Known as the "Euclid of the 16th century," he distingnished himself in mathematical research at Coimbra and was appointed to the chair of mathematics at the Collegium Romanum. He devised a method of dividing a measuring scale which was the precursor of the so-called Vernier's measuring instrument, but his greatest achievement was the execution and success of the Gregorian Calendar reform which prevailed through his efforts. His numerous scientific works have been published collectively under the title of "Christophori Clavii e Societate Jesu Opera Mathematica quinque tomis distributa." Among them are a practical geometry and algebra, an exposition of gnomonics, and a treatise on the Gregorian Calendar reform.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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