Description
Collection comprises approximately
17,000 offprints, reprints, and pamphlets related to the history of science collected by
Vito Volterra (1860-1940), an Italian mathematician. The offprints focus primarily on the
physical sciences, with emphasis on works on astronomy, mathematics, fluid mechanics,
energetics, and chemistry and date from 1754 to 1956.
Background
Vito Volterra (1860-1940) was an Italian mathematician noted for his role in the
development of calculus. He defined permutable functions and elaborated systematic equations
and worked on applications in analysis, physics, and biology. Volterra was born in Ancona,
Italy in 1860 to parents Abramo Volterra and Angelica Almagia. He graduated from the
University of Pisa in 1882. He was a professor at Pisa from 1883 to 1892, the University of
Turin from 1892 to 1900, and the University of Rome from 1900 to 1931. In 1905 he became a
Senator of the Kingdom of Italy and in 1921 was awarded an honorary knighthood from King
George V of England. During World War I Volterra served in the Italian Air Force. Because he
refused to swear allegiance to the Fascist government, in 1931 he was forced to resign from
the university and went abroad to teach and travel. He retired to Ariccia, Italy, where he
died on October 11, 1940. The death went unnoticed by the authorities and on October 16,
1943, the Nazi Party's SS went to his home in Rome to arrest him for deportation.
Extent
166.8 Linear Feet
(400 boxes)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.