Giovanni Poleni (1683-1761) was an Italian nobleman, physicist, and antiquarian. He studied the classics, philosophy, theology, mathematics, and physics. At the age of 25 he was appointed professor of astronomy at Padua. In 1715 he was assigned to the cha
Giovanni Poleni (1683-1761) was an Italian nobleman, physicist, and antiquarian. He studied the classics, philosophy, theology, mathematics, and physics. At the age of 25 he was appointed professor of astronomy at Padua. In 1715 he was assigned to the chair of physics, and in 1719 he succeeded Nicholas II Bernoulli as professor of mathematics. As an expert in hydraulic engineering he was charged by the Venetian Senate with the care of the waters of lower Lombardy and with the constructions necessary to prevent floods. His knowledge of architecture caused Benedict XIV to call him to Rome in 1748 to examine the cupola of St. Peter's, which was rapidly disintegrating. He promptly indicated the repairs necessary. In 1739 the French Academy of Sciences made him a member, and later the societies of London, Berlin, and St. Petersburg did the same. He died in 1761 at the age of 77 or 78.
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