Jesuit scholar.
Entered Jesuit order (1743). Taught philosophy at Verona and Forlia, near Ravenna. Studied archeology and physics. Visited Constantinople (1781-86), where he collected Islamic books, manuscripts, and mathematical instruments. Became a noted Ottomanist. Published several books, including Filosofia frankliniana delle punte preservatrici dal fulmine, particolarmente applicata alle polveriere, alle navi, et a Santa Barbara in mare … (Modena, 1771) and Della Letteratura turchesca (3 vols., Venice, 1787).
Born and died in Venice.