Nuovo Dizionario scientifico e curioso sacro-profano

". Pivati's Nuovo dizionario represents a significant contribution to Italian cultural life in the 1740s. The rich, useful, and interesting knowledge it contains is often taken from the original sources in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, Spanish, and English, as well as Italian. The subjects treated are well researched and generally presented in a simple, direct style.
On social and religious matters, Pivati's liberalism is remarkable in the context of the rigid conformity that predominated throughout the Italian peninsula. His efforts to encourage Italian noblemento imitate their English counterparts by assuming a dynamic role in the economy of their countries represented a complete break with current practices. In treating controversial religious issues, Pivati's voice is one of moderation. He appears to be committed to reason and science as opposed to simple faith, but he tries to avoid any direct challenge to the dogmatic teachings of the Church."
(Silvano Garafalo, in: Frank Kafker, Notable Encyclopedias, Oxford 1981).