186 Miscellanies. 
the time when Prof. Mauro Rusconi, informed me that [had just lost 
this friend, that I should give this public testimonial of my respect, 
my admiration and my regrets. Perhaps I may, at some later period, 
state in a more complete mamner, the right of Scarpa, to the hom- 
age of posterity. J.P. M 
2. Death-of Oriani.—The capital of Lombardy, lost on the 12th 
November last, Count Barbana Oriani,* who’ may be justly con- 
sidered as one of those rare and eminent men, who by their talents 
are regarded as the ornaments of Italy. We are indebted to this 
celebrated astronomer, for many profound memoirs upon theoretical 
and practical astronomy, printed in the valuable collection of the 
Ephemerides of Milan. Oriani first determined the orbit of the 
‘planet Uranus, and the perturbations of the new planets. ‘The theo- 
ry of astronomical refraction is indebted to him for an important step 
which has opened the way for those who have subsequently treated 
of this subject. 
His work entitled Trigonometria spheroidica has become classic : 
in this discovery the great astronomer is worthy of being associated 
with the greatest geometricians of Europe. Other details upon his 
‘works, and upon the circumstances of his life belong to his biography. 
Oriani, died an octogenarian, warmly regretted by his friends and 
by the admirers of his genius. The brilliant qualities of his heart 
have been justly appreciated by all those who have shared in the hon- 
or of an intimate acquaintance; they justify the bigh considera- 
tion and the great credit which he enjoyed in his own country. An 
enlightened protector of the youth who sought in him a support, he 
knew how to forget in their presence, all his superiority, and to show 
himself their zealous friend. Always simple and accurate, in his 
conversation, he inspired them with feelings of gratitude and an at- 
tachment as durable as respectful. 
The latter days of his life exhibited in the midst of his sufferings, 
the spectacle of a tranquillity of soul, worthy of the christian philos- 
opher. Oriani, rejoiced in the propagation of knowledge, which he 
regarded as an efficacious means of ameliorating the human species; 
he considered the acquisition of principles in the exact sciences, as 
alone indestructible, amid the variations and errors of the human 
mind. All the friends of science will honor the memory of this man 
” Count Oriani, was known in his youth, under the title of the Abbe Oriani. 
