A treasure lost : the Portocarrero collection of scientific instruments and interest in the sciences in hospitaller Malta

Abstract

One of the little-known treasures acquired by the Order of St John during the eighteenth century and brought over to Malta consisted of a collection of scientific and mathematical instruments. This impressive collection, which was added to during the succeeding years, eventually vanished without a trace. Further evidence of scientific pursuits in areas such as aerostatics, astronomy, climatic observations and natural history confirm a growing local interest in the various sciences, itself reflecting contemporary developments in Europe.