Francescani e matematica. Il caso di Mariotto Guiducci, frate minore e maestro d’abaco (1427- post 1496)

The paper focuses on the figure of Mariotto Guiducci, a Florentine franciscan friar and abacus master from the 15th century, author of a mathematical treatise preserved in the National Library of Florence. By archival and bibliographical records, the case study may offer further insights about the relationship between Franciscanism, mathematics and a culture of accounting during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The paper opens a glimpse into the Guiducci family and the teaching of practical mathematics in Florence and Prato, hinting at the convent life and experience of Mariotto; finally, the paper concerns the Libro d'arismetricha, expression of a mathematical culture typical of the abacus tradition.