Speaker
Description
This study aims to reconstruct the work of Abbot Giuseppe Conti during his time in Naples.
Born in Pellegrino Parmense, distinguished himself in the study of scientific disciplines. After completing the usual course of studies, he received holy orders. In 1801 he obtained the chair of repeater of experimental physics and mathematics at the local Lalatta College. The notoriety of his lectures attracted the attention of Marshal Pèriguon, the high official serving the French king Joachim Murat, who requested him in Naples to teach his own children.
Appointed corresponding member of the Royal Institute of Encouragement to Natural Sciences and professor of experimental physics and chemistry and mineralogy in the school of application of the General Directorate of Bridges and Roads, Conti also served as member of the commission for the reform of the system of weights and measures.
During the years from 1815 to 1845, Conti worked as an inventor and technician with the restored Bourbon monarchy.
For his industrious works he received from the King of the Two Sicilies numerous patents, public esteem, and medals of honor.
In 1846 the director of the Royal Cabinet of Physics commissioned him to test a hydrostatic balance, manufactured by machinist Bonaventura Banieri.
This balance, which turned out to be the most accurate in the Kingdom, is now conserved in the Museum of Physics at the Museum Center of the Federico II University.
