Bianchini

Bianchini, FRANCESCO, antiquary and astronomer, was born in 1662 at Verona. At Padua he studied theology, mathematics, and botany; and in 1684 proceeded to Rome, where he became intimate with the most distinguished savants of the day, and devoted himself to the study of jurisprudence and foreign languages. Alexander VIII. bestowed upon him a rich benefice, and Clement XI. appointed him secretary to the commission for reforming the calendar. He died in Rome in 1729. He was author of various works, but is chiefly remembered in connection with the Meridian Line (q.v.).