The “diary” of the Rector of the University of Coimbra, D. Manuel Corte-Real de Abranches (1664-1666)

Abstract

This work reveals the existence of a diary by Manuel-Corte Real de Abranches, with records of the two years of his rectorship, between 5 May 1664 and 6 December 1666. This handwritten volume was not written by him alone, and some of the entries can be attributed to another handwriting, probably that of his secretary. Although the title on the spine identifies this volume as Petitions and Dispatches from Coimbra students 1664 to 1666, this manuscript contains much more extensive information. What is the purpose of this diary? And was it a volume for private or institutional records? Its information content was analysed to see how it portrays the university institution in the second half of the 17th century. The graphic presentation of the manuscript, the erasures and interspersed texts were also appreciated.