MEZZOFANTI'S regular studies suffered some interruption in the early part of 1820. Debilitated by the excessive and protracted application which has been described, his health had for some time been gradually giving way, and at last he was peremptorily ordered to suspend his lectures, and to discontinue his private studies for six months. ^{Note 1} During this interval he employed himself chiefly in botanizing, a study in which he is said to have made considerable progress. He also made a short excursion to the beautiful district of Mantua, and afterwards to Modena, Pisa, and Leghorn. ^{Note 2} In the course of this journey he found an opportunity of making himself acquainted with the Hebrew Psalmody as followed in the modern synagogues, and with the practical system of accentuation of the ancient Hebrew Language now in use among the Jews of Italy. The object of hisvisit to Leghorn was, that, from the Greek sailors of that port, he might acquire the pronunciation of modern Romaic ^{Note 3}

After a short time his health was perfectly restored, with the exception of a certain debility of sight from which he never afterwards completely recovered ; and he resumed his ordinary duties in the university about the middle of the year 1820.

Notes