Carlo Gemmellaro (1787-1866) was an Italian naturalist and

geologist A geologist is a scientist who studies the solid, liquid, and gaseous matter that constitutes Earth and other terrestrial planets, as well as the processes that shape them. Geologists usually study geology, earth science, or geophysics, althoug ...

. He was noted for his studies on the vulcanology of his native Sicily. His son Gaetano Giorgio Gemmellaro was a noted geologist, paleontologist and politician, who served as rector of the

University of Palermo The University of Palermo ( it, Università degli Studi di Palermo) is a university located in Palermo, Italy, and founded in 1806. It is organized in 12 Faculties. History The University of Palermo was officially founded in 1806, although its ...

Biography

Carlo was born to a prominent family; his uncle had performed observations on the eruptions of Mount Etna. Carlo studied medicine at the

University of Catania The University of Catania ( it, Università degli Studi di Catania) is a university located in Catania, Sicily. Founded in 1434, it is the oldest university in Sicily, the 13th oldest in Italy, and the 29th oldest university in the world. With a ...

, and began practicing as a physician in Messina. His brother, Giuseppe Gemmellaro, became a prominent physician in Catania. In 1812, he traveled to London where he first explored his interests in geology. He gained a position as a physician for the British navy, allowing him to travel through the Mediterranean from 1813-1817. In 1817, he returned to private practice of medicine in Catania, but continued his interests in geology, creating a museum of mineralogy and geology at his home. In 1824, he helped found the Gioenia Academy of Sciences of Catania. He was appointed professor of Geology and Mineralogy at the

in 1830.Elogio accademico del Prof. cav. Carlo Gemmellaro letto all' Accademia Gioenia
by Andrea Aradas (1869). The events of 1837, when an epidemic of cholera afflicted Catania, fomented rebellion in the town, Carlo went on to publicly criticize the response of the autocratic Bourbon monarchy. Now suspect in the eyes of the government, his ability to travel was restricted. With his actions and words during the revolutions of 1848 that convulsed the kingdom, Carlo further antagonized the central government, and only with the founding of the Kingdom of Italy, was he able to regain prestige and appointments. Two of his children fought with

Garibaldi Giuseppe Maria Garibaldi ( , ;In his native Ligurian language, he is known as ''Gioxeppe Gaibado''. In his particular Niçard dialect of Ligurian, he was known as ''Jousé'' or ''Josep''. 4 July 1807 – 2 June 1882) was an Italian general, pat ...

in Sicily and the Neapolitan mainland.

Works

volcanologist A volcanologist, or volcano scientist, is a geologist who focuses on understanding the formation and eruptive activity of volcanoes. Volcanologists frequently visit volcanoes, sometimes active ones, to observe and monitor volcanic eruptions, col ...

, he studied Etna in

Sicily (man) it, Siciliana (woman) , population_note = , population_blank1_title = , population_blank1 = , demographics_type1 = Ethnicity , demographics1_footnotes = , demographi ...

; his studies are summarized in the monograph ''Vulcanologia dell'Etna 1859-1860'' which is certainly the most mature product of the Gemmellaro research, synthesis of observations carried for decades and successful attempt of a modern volcanic theory. His last work, ''Un addio al maggior vulcano d'Europa'' ("A farewell to the greatest volcano in Europe") as well as a brief autobiography, is also an emotional farewell to the main object of his scientific studies.Due passi nel mistero, Ignazio Burgio
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References

Italian naturalists 1787 births 1866 deaths Academic staff of the University of Catania {{Italy-scientist-stub