MAFFEI, Francesco Scipione, MARCHESE DI, Italian dramatist and scientist: b. Verona, 1 June 1675; d. there, 11 Feb. 1755. He studied at the Jesuit College, Parma, for five years and from 1698 at Rome. He was present at the battle of Hochstadt in 1704, taking part in the Bavarian campaign as a volunteer under his brother, Gen. Alessandro Maffei. He com menced a literary career in 1710 by the publica tion of 'Della scienza cavalleresca,> noted for a censure of duelling; became associated in founding the Giornale dei !literati; and edited with introductions some of the best plays of the Cinque cento. In 1713 appeared his own play since frequently reprinted, one of the most brilliant successes achieved in the history of dramatic literature. While it lacks a love motif, it is considered a masterpiece of Italian tragedy. Voltaire adapted it for the French stage, declaring it °worthy of the most glorious days of Athens A and it inspired Home's celebrated English drama His versatility and scientific attainments are shown in subsequent work which include 'Teatro italiana> (1723-25) ; 'Istoria diplo (Mantua 1727) ; a comedy (1728) ; and 'Verona (1732).
From 1732 he spent four years in travel in France and England, returning by way of Hol land and Germany, and wrote Walliz Antiqui tates> (Paris 1733) ; 'Istoria teologica> (Trent 1742) ; Well impiego del denaro> (1746), jus tifying loans on interest; and 'Arte magica> (1749-54). He was also associated with Maratori in the great collection of the 'Rerum italicarum scriptores) which occupied 15 years and were published in 25 folio volumes (1723 38). A complete edition of Maffei's works were published in 21 volumes (Venice 1790) ; and selected 'Opusculi litterari> (Venice 1829; Milan 1844). See MEROPE.