Diary of Vesuvius observations by Antonio Piaggio Written observations with pencil and ink sketches of volcanic activity at Vesuvius, in Italy, kept by Fr. Piaggio, on behalf of Sir William Hamilton. The book commences with a motto from Seneca and a title page heading 'Abbozzi di fenomeni del Vesuvio con qualche riflessiioni per la dissertazione di N.N.' [Sketches of Vesuvius phenomena with some reflections for the dissertation of N.N.]. Piaggio contributes a dedicatory letter to Hamilton before commencing observations from 12 September 1779. There is a break in the period 1780-1781 and the pagination is restarted following a aesreis of blank leaves. A presentation letter is pasted onto the front flyleaf: Sir William Hamilton, 23 Piccadilly, 14 June 1801, to Sir Joseph Banks, 3p. The spine label is lettered: 'VESUVIO VOL. 1. DA 12 7MBR 1779 AD 22. AGOST 1781'. September 1779-August 1781