TOSETTI, URBANO. - Piarist scientist, b. in Firenze on 28 June 1714, d. in Roma on 9 March 1768.
He chiefly cultivated the physical sciences, which he first taught in Cortona and then in Roma, at the Collegio Nazareno, where he was also rector. He was the first in Italy, together with the other two Piarists, Fathers Petrini and Audrich, to publish and enrich with new experiments Haller’s discovery concerning the insensitivity of certain parts of animals, and to discuss it with great learning in several printed letters to his friend Dr. Valdambrini. He was a close friend of Popes Benedetto XIV and Clemente XIV; the former even wished him to be tutor to his nephews. He published many essays and works of a philosophical and educational character: the Compendio della vita di s. Giuseppe Calazanzio, issued in 1767 on the occasion of the canonization, has already had more than forty editions.