Nuovo dizionario scientifico e curioso, sacroprofano

The Nuovo dizionario scientifico e curioso, sacroprofano (1746–51) was an Italian encyclopaedia compiled by Gianfrancesco Pivati, who served as the secretary of the Academy of Sciences in Venice. This work focused on scientific and curious subjects, encompassing both secular and sacred topics, and notably omitted history.1

The 17th and 18th centuries saw a rise in encyclopaedic dictionaries, with a growing public interest in more modern formats. These works aimed to provide accessible knowledge, bridging the gap between scholarly and general readers. Encyclopaedias have historically been viewed as tools for human improvement, offering insights into the world and guiding individuals toward a better future.123