Bocconi, Paolo (Silvio)

BOCCONI, PAOLO (SILVIO). - Born in Palermo on 24 April 1633, died there on 22 December 1704. He was a distinguished naturalist and an excellent botanist, who built up his vast culture mainly through long journeys throughout Europe, in keeping with the taste of his age. After these journeys, he published numerous works that earned him clear fame throughout Europe. He was thus appointed botanist to Ferdinand II, Grand Duke of Tuscany. In 1682, following his strong vocation, he took the Cistercian habit in Florence, continuing always with ardour his beloved studies. Having assumed in religion the name Silvio, he published new works under that name. After his death, some foreign authors attempted vague accusations of plagiarism, which all proved, however, to be groundless.

Of his numerous works, mention should be made of: Icones et descriptiones variorum plantarum, Siciliae, Melitae, Galliae et Italiae, etc. (Oxford 1664 and Lyon 1674); Della pietra belzuar minerale siciliana (Monteleone 1669); Recherches et observations naturelles (Amsterdam 1674); Osservazioni naturali (Bologna 1684); Museo di fisica e di esperienza (Venice 1697); Museo di fisica (ibid. 1697); Epistolae botanicae (Paris 1672), etc.

Mention is also made of a short work of a didactic and administrative character entitled Noviziato alla Segreteria, which saw the light in Genoa in 1669, as well as a group of important original observations Sul corallo. Among other things, the Storia naturale della Corsica remained in manuscript.