Jesuit astronomer. Born in 1818 in Reggio Emilia, Italy; died on February 26, 1878 in Rome, Italy. He came to America in 1848 and was professor at Georgetown University. The next year he became director of the observatory in the Roman College. In astronomy the sun was the chief object of his study. He laid the foundations of the unique Sun Records, discovered the "flash spectrum," invented new instruments for the study of the fixed stars, and discovered the five Secchi types of stars. In meteorology he was a disciple of Maury, and invented the "Meteorograph." He acquired fame as a physicist by his Sulla unità delle forze fisiche. After 1870 he remained firm in his allegiance to the pope.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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