BARANZANO, REDENTO GIOVANNI ANTONIO. – Barnabite philosopher and scientist, born in Serravalle Sesia (Biella) in 1590 and died in Montargis (Loiret) on 23 December 1622. He distinguished himself as a professor in the chair of philosophy at Annecy and was one of the first to combat the omnipotence of Aristotle, attempting to demonstrate the falsity of certain of his theories that until then had been regarded as indisputable in the schools. He corresponded with Fr. Niceron, with Bacon, who was the first to communicate to him his theory of the Novum Organum, and with La Motte Le Vayer, who held him in high regard, among others. He left writings and pamphlets of a philosophical and mathematical nature.
BIBL.: G. Boffito, Bibl. Barnabita Illustrata, I, Firenze 1933, pp. 75–80. Leodegario Picanyol