Karel Slavíček was born in a house called Czech: U Slunce ("By the Sun") on the main square in Jimramov, a small town straddling the historical border between Bohemia and Moravia.

[2] After finishing studies in Prague he went to teach in Jičín, subsequently lecturing mathematics at the University of Wrocław, finally also returning to the University of Olomouc, where he obtained Doctorate of Philosophy, became professor of mathematics and, in 1712, a fully-fledged member of the Jesuit Order .

On 3 February 1717, Slavíček was introduced to the Kangxi Emperor in Beijing, who employed him as a court musician.

Indeed, he was in frequent contact by letter with European scientists, such as Stéphane Souciet and Guillaume de L'Isle.

Many of the letters have been lost, but those that survive provide insight into Slavíček's life in China, and are now housed in the library of Strahov Monastery.

[2] Slavíček died after 18 years in China; he was succeeded by another Czech Jesuit, Jan Walter of Bílina.