‘The theory of practice’: the role of collections in technical and scientific teaching in Turin (1845-1861)

During the first half of the nineteenth century, many protagonists of Italian Science took part in the renewal of techno-scientific studies with their use of mundane, daily objects and model-based didactic methodology. The Kingdom of Sardinia was relatively advanced in this regard, mostly thanks to the work of renowned mathematics professors in the University of Turin such as Carlo Ignazio Giulio and his pupil Quintino Sella. In 1852, they founded the Regio Istituto Tecnico, which in 1861 would become the Reale Scuola di Applicazione per gli Ingegneri and later, in 1906, the Polytechnic. With a review of unpublished material held in the Turin and Biella archives, this work will show how a willingness to merge theoretical knowledge and practical know-how was the mainstay of education in these three schools, and how their students were able to work in cabinets and laboratories, enjoying access to high-quality scientific collections.