Since 1744 attended the Jesuit seminary in Reggio Emilia; 1749 studied law at University of Bologna (Ph.D. 1753); 1754 professor of logic, metaphysics and greek language at the University of Reggio; became priest and 1760 abbot of Reggio Emilia and professor of natural history in Modena; 1769-99 professor of natural history at the University of Pavia; went on several research trips between 1779 and 1788.
