I libri di Luigi Ferdinando Marsili. Da raccolta privata a biblioteca dell'Istituto delle Scienze

The library of Luigi Ferdinando Marsili (1658-1730) has not been systematically researched yet. This article aims to investigate the special bibliographic collection created by general and scientist Marsili with a view to establish a scientific academy in Bologna, where the youth could learn sciences as well as the art of war and diplomacy. After describing the peculiarities of Marsili's collecting method, we shall offer a perspective on the characteristics and aims of the manuscript and printed book collections with particular reference to their role in Marsili's academic reform project.