186 Miscellanies. 



the time when Prof. Mauro Rusconi, informed me that I 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 manner, 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 Barhana 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 Ti'igonomeiria 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 high 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. 



