Fazio Cardano was a jurist and mathematician. He was a profound student of perspective. Cardano was also a professor at the University of Pavia, and was devoted to hermetical science and the world of the occult.

It was said that Cardano was always in the company of a familiar spirit who talked to him. This may be a rumour originating from a habit of speaking to himself.

His son was Girolamo Cardano.