The Correspondence between the Mathematician Luigi Cremona and Quintino Sella 1861-1884

Abstract

The correspondence between the mathematician Luigi Cremona (1830-1903) and Quintino Sella (1827-1884) highlights aspects of Sella’s political thought and cultural activity. In particular his aims on Rome “capital of science” and on the Accademia dei Lincei as emblem of national culture, encountered difficulties. In spite of some incomprehensions in the initial phase of their relationship, the harmony of ethical, political and cultural intentions for the progress of the country and the synergies implemented by the two friends led to important results. Among them we can mention the renewal of academic membership with prestigious names of scientists and intellectuals, the establishment of prizes to encourage scientific research, the publication of memoirs of the two classes and the exchanges of periodicals with academies and scientific institutions all over the world.