Projective geometry and elementary geometry served as the primary focus of the two major treatises authored by Achille Sannia during his academic career. Based in Naples, his work spanned the nineteenth century, bridging his contributions as a university professor and a legislator within the newly unified Kingdom of Italy.
Academic and Professional Trajectory
Born in Campobasso in 1822, Sannia later relocated from the Molise region to Naples. His early career involved teaching within private school settings before he secured a professorship in geometry at the university level in 1865. His pedagogical efforts extended to institutional development when he established a school of electrical engineering in 1871. Throughout his tenure, he was associated with prestigious academic bodies including the Accademia Pontaniana and the Academy of Sciences of Turin.
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Sannia frequently collaborated with Enrico D'Ovidio on foundational texts. Their work 'Geometry elements,' initially published in Naples between 1868 and 1869, achieved significant circulation, eventually reaching a twelfth edition by 1906. Their co-authored 'Planimetry' was released in 1869, with a second edition following in 1871. In 1891, the final year of his career, he published a 691-page volume titled 'Projection Geometry Lessons,' which documented the material he taught at the Royal University of Naples.
Political Engagement
Beyond his mathematical pursuits, Sannia was active in the governance of the Kingdom of Italy. His political career included two distinct terms as a member of the Chamber of Deputies, serving from 1876 to 1880 and again from 1886 to 1890. He also held the position of senator. For his professional and civic contributions, he received the Order of the Crown of Italy. He remained in Naples until his death in 1892 at the age of 70.
Fast facts
- Born: 1822, Campobasso
- Died: 1892, Naples
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Italy; Kingdom of the Two Sicilies
- Professional roles: Mathematician, university teacher, politician
- Academic memberships: Accademia Pontaniana, Academy of Sciences of Turin
- Political positions: Senator, Member of the Chamber of Deputies
- Notable honor: Order of the Crown of Italy
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Achille Sannia teach?
He served as a professor of geometry and founded a school of electrical engineering.
Did Sannia hold public office?
Yes, he was a member of the Chamber of Deputies for two terms and served as a senator of the Kingdom of Italy.
Achievements
- Order of the Crown of Italy
