Carlo Lauberg, born on September 8, 1752, in Teano, Italy, is a figure of significant historical importance, particularly in the context of the late 18th century and the revolutionary movements that swept across Europe. A man of many talents and deep convictions, Lauberg was a physician, a fervent advocate of the Enlightenment, a revolutionary, and a key figure in the establishment of the Neapolitan Republic. His life reflects the tumultuous times in which he lived, marked by a passionate commitment to liberty, equality, and the principles that underpinned the French Revolution.
Early Life and Education: The Foundation of a Revolutionary
Carlo Lauberg was born into a family with military ties; his father was a lieutenant in the Spanish army. This early connection to military life, however, did not dictate his future path. Instead, Lauberg was drawn to intellectual pursuits, driven by a deep interest in science and philosophy. From a young age, he displayed a strong inclination toward education and a profound sense of idealism.
Lauberg’s early education was shaped by his enrollment in the Order of the Pious Schools, commonly known as the Scolopi, a religious order dedicated to teaching. The Scolopi emphasized a rigorous academic curriculum, which played a crucial role in shaping Lauberg’s intellectual development. His studies in this environment laid the groundwork for his later achievements in both medicine and revolutionary thought.
Despite his initial involvement in religious life, Lauberg’s inherently rebellious nature and his growing interest in the ideals of the Enlightenment led him to question the traditional doctrines he was taught. This intellectual restlessness eventually caused him to leave the ecclesiastical career behind. Instead, he pursued a degree in medicine, which he completed with distinction. His medical training not only equipped him with scientific knowledge but also deepened his understanding of human nature and society, further fueling his revolutionary aspirations.
The Revolutionary Spirit: From Medicine to Masonry
The late 18th century was a period of profound change in Europe, with the French Revolution acting as a catalyst for revolutionary movements across the continent. Carlo Lauberg, deeply influenced by the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that the revolution espoused, became an ardent supporter of these principles. His commitment to these ideas led him to become actively involved in the intellectual and political circles that were pushing for change.
One of the significant steps in Lauberg’s revolutionary journey was his involvement in Freemasonry. The Masonic lodges of the time were often hotbeds of revolutionary thought, providing a space for intellectuals and activists to discuss ideas that challenged the established social and political order. Lauberg quickly became a prominent figure within the Masonic community in Naples, aligning himself with the more radical elements who sought not just reform but a complete overhaul of the existing system.
In 1792, Lauberg, along with Troiano Odazi, founded an academy of chemistry in Naples. While ostensibly a scientific institution, this academy soon became a hub for liberal and republican ideas. It attracted a group of like-minded individuals, including Annibale Giordano, Vincenzo Galiani, and others, who were all committed to the cause of revolution. These gatherings provided the intellectual and organizational foundation for what would become a broader revolutionary movement in southern Italy.
The Neapolitan Republic: Leadership and Challenges
Carlo Lauberg’s revolutionary activities culminated in his role in the establishment of the Neapolitan Republic. By the late 1790s, the political situation in Naples was becoming increasingly unstable, with widespread discontent against the Bourbon monarchy. Inspired by the French Revolution and supported by the French military, republican forces in Naples saw an opportunity to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic.
In December 1798, French forces occupied Naples, and the Neapolitan Republic was declared in January 1799. Lauberg, by now a well-known figure in revolutionary circles, played a crucial role in the establishment of the new government. He was appointed as the head of the provisional government, a position that placed him at the center of the revolutionary administration.
As leader, Lauberg surrounded himself with some of the brightest minds of the time, including Vincenzo Russo, Giuseppe Abbamonti, Girolamo Pignatelli, Giuseppe Logoteta, and Melchiorre Delfico. These men, whom the philosopher and historian Benedetto Croce later described as “the flower of southern Italian intelligence,” were instrumental in drafting the policies and reforms that the new republic sought to implement.
However, Lauberg’s leadership was not without its challenges. His radicalism, which had initially propelled him to prominence, soon became a source of tension within the revolutionary government. His uncompromising stance on certain issues alienated more moderate elements, leading to internal divisions. Just a month after taking power, Lauberg was replaced by the more moderate Ignazio Ciaia, reflecting the growing rift within the republican leadership.
Despite this setback, Lauberg remained committed to the cause. However, the nascent republic was short-lived. In May 1799, just four months after its establishment, the republic collapsed as royalist forces, supported by British and Russian troops, retook Naples. King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon returned to power, and the leaders of the republic, including Lauberg, were forced to flee or face execution.
Exile and Later Life: Contributions to Science and Medicine
After the fall of the Neapolitan Republic, Carlo Lauberg fled to France, where he sought refuge. Once in France, he naturalized as a French citizen, changing his name to Charles Jean Laubert, and married Catherine Arnauld of Antibes. In France, Lauberg continued his work as a pharmacist, eventually rising to prominence in his new homeland.
Lauberg’s scientific acumen was soon recognized by the French authorities, and he was appointed to the command of the medical services of the French army. His expertise in medicine, particularly in the study of chemistry and pharmacology, made him a valuable asset to the French military. His work during this period contributed to the advancement of medical science, particularly in the treatment of diseases and battlefield injuries.
In 1814, Lauberg was honored with membership in the French Academy of Medicine, a recognition of his contributions to the field. His later years were dedicated to research and writing. He published several works on mathematics, philosophy, and the natural sciences, further establishing his reputation as a scholar and scientist.
One of his notable achievements during this period was his research on ether and cinchona, the latter being the source of quinine, an essential treatment for malaria. Lauberg’s work in this area was groundbreaking, providing significant insights into the medical applications of these substances.
Legacy: A Revolutionary and Scholar Remembered
Carlo Lauberg passed away in Paris on November 3, 1834, at the age of 82. His life was a testament to the revolutionary spirit of his time—a period marked by dramatic social and political upheaval across Europe. Lauberg’s contributions to the Neapolitan Republic, although ultimately unsuccessful, laid the groundwork for future revolutionary movements in Italy. His commitment to the principles of liberty, equality, and justice continued to inspire subsequent generations of Italian nationalists and revolutionaries.
Benedetto Croce, one of Italy’s most distinguished philosophers and historians, paid tribute to Lauberg in his work The Life of a Revolutionary: Carlo Lauberg. Croce described Lauberg as a figure who rose above his contemporaries, uniting and directing the revolutionary movement in southern Italy. Croce’s recognition of Lauberg’s role underscores the importance of his contributions to the Italian Risorgimento—the period of Italian unification that culminated in the formation of the modern Italian state.
Today, Carlo Lauberg is remembered not only as a revolutionary but also as a man of science and intellect. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Enlightenment and the belief in a better, more just society. Through his work in both the political and scientific arenas, Lauberg exemplified the spirit of his age, a spirit that continues to resonate in the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.
