Paolo Paciaudi and Hospitaller Malta, 1741-1780

Abstract

Paolo Maria Paciaudi ( 1710-1785) is little known in Malta despite the fact that his academic career is closely linked with Malta and the Hospitaller Order. This dissertation examines Paciaudi's personality and achievements in order to understand how the links with Hospitaller Malta were established. The research begins with a study of Paciaudi's earliest major work, the Lezione Fisica published in 1741, in which he explained and defended Newton's principles and rational thinking. This work revealed some salient features of Paciaudi's enlightened thinking: he was forward-looking, ready to accept new ideas even if they were controversial, but only if they were the result of extensive study carried out with an open mind. Subsequent research confirmed that this way of thinking attracted many members of the Hospitaller Order to this personality. Paciaudi's earliest links with Malta were revealed in a series of letters which were sent to him in Malta in 1748 by the Gozitan Canon Francesco Agius De Soldanis. Like Paciaudi, De Soldanis was a keen antiquarian. The publication of Padaudi's first book. concerning the Order followed in 1749. This deals with commemorative Medals celebrating Grandmaster Pinto's magistracy. According to Paciaudi's biographers, this book led to the author's appointment as official Historiographer of the Hospitaller Order. A collection of Paciaudi's letters to the French antiquarian, the Comte De Caylus, published in 1802, was examined in detail.