AURISPA  , . GIOVANNI (c . 1370-1459), one of the learned Italians of the 15th

century, who did so much to promote the revival of the study of Greek in Italy, was born at Noto in Sicily . In 1418 he visited Constantinople, where he remained for some years, perfecting his knowledge of Greek and searching for ancient MSS . His efforts were rewarded by the acquisition of some 250 MSS., with which he returned to Venice . Here he is said to have been obliged to pawn his treasures for 50 gold florins to provide for his immediate wants . Cosimo de' Medici, hearing of his embarrassment, redeemed the MSS. and summoned the owner to Florence . In 1438, at the council of Basel, Aurispa attracted the attention of Pope Eugenius IV., who made him his secretary; he held a similar position under Nicholas V., who presented him to two lucrative abbacies . He died at Ferrara . Considering his long life and reputation Aurispa produced little: Latin translations of the commentary of Hierocles on the golden verses of Pythagoras (1474) and of Philisci Consolatoria ad Ciceronem from Dio Cassius (not published till 1510) ; and, according to Gesner, a translation of the works of Archimedes . Aurispa's reputation rests upon the extensive collection of MSS. copied and distributed by him, and his persistent efforts to revive and promote the study of ancient literature .