Scientific Work
Bonanni was an ecclesiastic without true scientific training or experience but he made excellent observations embodied in several works:
- Ricreatione dell' occhio e della mente.
Bonanni was a shell collector and was the author of the first book devoted solely to seashells, published in Rome in 1681. Several later Linnaean names were based on his illustrations.
- Observationes circa Viventia, quae in Rebus non Viventibus
Using a three lens microscope, in this work published in 1691 Bonanni tried to show that spontaneous generation was possible in animals "without blood and a heart", in contradiction of Francesco Redi’s experimental work. The compilation of knowledge and quality of the illustrations made this an important work.
- Numismata Pontificum Romanorum
A two-volume study published in 1699 of the coins issued by the papacy over the centuries.
- Musæum Kircherianum, sive Musaeum a P. Athanasio Kirchero in Collegio Romano Societatis Jesu... descriptum
The catalogue of Kircher's collection (1709).
- Trattato sobre la vernice detta communemente Cinese
His work on lacquer, published 1720.
- Gabinetto Armonico
Issued in 1723, it is a splendid collection of 150 engravings of musical instruments from around the world.
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