In remembrance of Carlo Gemmellaro

Abstract

Carlo Gemmellaro (Catania, 1787-1866), a member of a wealthy family, since his youth was induced to investigate Nature by his uncle Raimondo and eldest brother Mario, who stimulated his interest on Mt. Etna and its activity. Owing to his character and brilliant mind, he may well be taken as a very eminent representative of the scientific research that was being undertaken for several decades in Catania during the 19th century. He was active within the Gioenian Academy, since it was established (1824), and later (1830) at the University of Catania. A critical evaluation of the contribution of his observations to the various branches that were growing at his time in the field of the Earth sciences appears as very complex, if one takes into account his actual life experiences, during a time characterized by a fast evolving scientific and technical knowledge and methodologies.