The New International Encyclopædia/Sella, Quintino

SEL′LA, Quintino (1826-84). An Italian scientist and statesman, born at Mosso, near Biella. He was educated at the University of Turin, and at the School of Mines, Paris, and was for a time professor in the Turin Mining Academy, attaining a wide reputation as engineer and mineralogist. In 1860 he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies. In 1861 he became general secretary in the Department of Public Instruction. He held the position of Minister of Finance three times; in 1862, under Rattazzi; in 1864-65, under La Marmora; and from 1869 to 1873, under Lanza. He showed himself a good financier and an excellent parliamentarian. He was president of the Accademia dei Lincei (q.v.).