Giovanni Lami Italian scientist. Date of Birth: 08.11.1697 Country: Italy

1. Giovanni Lami
2. Education and Early Career
3. Scholarly Contributions
4. Polemics with the Jesuits
5. Later Life and Legacy

Giovanni Lami

Giovanni Lami was an Italian scholar who became renowned for his passionate polemics with the Jesuits.

Education and Early Career

Born in Florence, Italy, on October 19, 1697, Lami pursued higher education at the Collegio Romano in Rome. He later returned to Florence and began his career as a priest.

Scholarly Contributions

Lami's primary contributions lay in the field of ecclesiastical history. He was particularly interested in the New Testament and the early Christian church. His most important works include:

- "De Eruditione apostolorum" (1737): In this work, Lami argued that the apostles had a relatively low level of education.

- "Deliciae eruditorum" (1736–1769): A valuable collection of documents related to Tuscan history.

- "Novelle litterarie" (1740–1770): A monthly journal that Lami single-handedly produced for three years.

- "Memorabilia Italorum erudilione praestantium" (1742–1748): A biographical dictionary of prominent Italian scholars.

- "Lezioni d’antichita toscane" (1766): A collection of lectures on Tuscan antiquities.

Polemics with the Jesuits

Lami's scholarly work was often accompanied by vehement debates with the Jesuits. He accused them of distorting historical facts and suppressing dissenting views. These controversies continued throughout his career.

Later Life and Legacy

Lami passed away in Bologna, Italy, on April 14, 1770. He is remembered as a prolific scholar and a passionate advocate for intellectual freedom. His works remain valuable sources of information for historians and researchers.