From: Thomas Hockey et al. (eds.). The Biographical Encyclopedia
of Astronomers, Springer Reference. New York: Springer, 2007,
pp. 1255-1256 Zacut: Abraham ben Samuel Zacut Cirilo Flórez
Miguel Born Salamanca, (Spain), probably 1452 Died Damascus,
(Syria), probably 1515 Abraham Zacut was an important Jewish
astronomer who contributed to observational astronomy,
astronomical tables, and our historical knowledge of astronomy
in Spain. Zacut came from a family originally from France;
however, the evidence indicates that he was born in Salamanca,
and spent his early years there as a pupil of Isaac Aboab, from
whom he received the extensive knowledge that would later make
him famous. Although professionally a doctor, Zacut's fame came
from his works in astronomy. During his lifetime, Zacut
maintained relationships with several notable figures, including
Don Juan de Zúñiga, the last Master of the Order of Alcántara
(Maestre de la Orden de Alcántara), and the Bishop of Salamanca,
Gonzalo de Vivero, to whom he dedica