The Cimento's publication process and presentational techniques: formulating a policy of self-censorship

The Accademia del Cimento never maintained a consistent schedule for its meetings. At times, some of the academicians could not go to Florence regularly because of their professional obligations in other parts of Tuscany. Borelli, Rinaldini, Marsili, and Uliva, for example, were often occupied with their positions at Pisa, while Viviani was also required to travel around Tuscany in order to fulfil his obligations as chief engineer to the Medici Court. Additionally, political duties and poor health seemed to restrict the time and effort that the Prince could dedicate to the academy. This meant that during their first five years as a formal institution, the academicians met only during several months of the year, especially in 1657, 1658, 1660, and 1662. Despite this inconsistency, during the months when they did hold meetings, they were prolific in their investigations, performing hundreds of experiments and regularly engaging in debates regarding the natural philosophical significance of their observations. However, during the last of those five years the Cimento went through a dramatic change in direction. Instead of just experimenting, the academicians became determined to ensure that their work should be published. As a result, most of their efforts were directed towards this end.