From the Physics Cabinet to the Physics Museum of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

Abstract: The interest in scientific studies in Modena, since the XVII century, with particular reference to Physics studying and teaching, led to the formation of Cabinet of Experimental Physics at the Studio Pubblico di San Carlo thanks to the work of Mariano Moreni (1732-1801). He gave his own instruments to the just forming Physics Museum of the University, which was set up in the new Palazzo dell’Università (built after 1773 as a result of the reform promulgated Francesco III). The instruments of the Physics Museum appreciably increased in number due to the work of Giambattista Venturi (1746-1821) and, in 1796, were transferred ro the Accademia Aretina di Belle Arti as a consequence of the arrival of French troops in Modena. They come back later to the Palazzo dell’Università in 1810, under the direction of Giuseppe Bianchi (1791-1866), who set up the Physics Museum in three rooms of its piano nobile. In 1888 the director of the Museum and of the Observatory, Ciro Chistoni (1852-1927), gave a considerable number of instruments to the Museo Civico, which still houses a part of them. A project is currently undergoing for the full recovery of those physics instruments, which also implements the available computer technologies.