Science, Technology and Industry in Southern Italy Before the Unification

Abstract

A review is presented on the main activities concerning Science, Technology and Industry in Southern Italy before the unification. These activities were often carried out with primacy in their fields. In the first part, a very short survey is presented on the history of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, which was the realm composed of Southern Italy and part of the central country. Comments are also made on the financial resources and welfare of the State. Then, the principal scientific studies, scientific agencies and main personalities are presented together, along with the technical achievements that represented primacies in that time. Then, the most important industries of the Kingdom of the two Sicilies, with prominent positions in the Italian Peninsula and throughout the rest of the world, are remembered. Both state industries (essentially the heavy industries) and private industries are remembered, the latter being mostly in the textile fields. Finally, a brief mention is made of the closing down of a great part of the industrial assets of the former Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.