212 MEMOIRS OF 



political economy, and the general questions 

 connected with the profoundest theories of sci- 

 ence. The wines of Italy were greatly improved 

 by his means ; and Tuscany, being destitute of 

 fuel, the grand Duke applied to M. Fabbroni 

 to assist in finding coal ; and both Leopold 

 and his son continued to protect him, and to 

 profit by his administrative and scientific talents. 

 When all Italy was alarmed at the conquests of 

 the French, M. Fabbroni sought refuge in his 

 chemical studies, as applied to the useful arts ; 

 and when Tuscany had recognised the French 

 republic, he was charged with a mission to 

 France, concerning the unity of weights and mea- 

 sures. Being in Paris at the time that war was 

 declared against Austria and Tuscany, he ob- 

 tained permission for a special conservator to be 

 sent to Florence to preserve the collections there j 

 and in consequence of his care, the only thing- 

 taken from thence was the Venus de Medicis, 

 and which, in fact, had been clandestinely ab- 

 stracted before the arrival of the French, and 

 given up to them by the King of Naples. The 

 whole of M. Fabbroni's life was a scene of active 

 service ; and we find him, at one time, charged 

 with delicate political missions j at others, with 

 the direction and administration of the mint at 



