Louis of Parma certainly took after his maternal grandfather Franz Stephan of Lorraine and aunt Archduchess Maria Anna in terms of scientific bent (natural sciences). He was mentioned to have a natural history museum (he certainly had one in Parma, with the help of his friend, Count Stefano Sanvitale) and corresponded with Thomas Jefferson, who appeared to have helped him in acquiring scientific specimens. Charles Willson Peale was also connected in this endeavor.
"Aranjuez, the 30 March1798
Sir, I received about two months ago yours dated the 23d. of May 1797. I pray you to be well persuaded of my greatefull acknowledgement, and for the many other motives I am so much indebted to you for. In the first place, for the complaisance and great pains you were pleased to take to procure means of gratifying my desire, afterwards for the just picture you make of the state of things and persons, and for the good advices and councils which you give me on the subject with the same interest as if it had personally regarded you. In short, for the huge tusk of the mammoth which I received and a very estimable piece for its rarity; it is still more so for me; being a remembrance of your politeness, and complaisance; the sight of that enormous tusk augmented my desire of reading the account of that animal which make an article worthy of being inserted in a volume of your philosophical transactions which you promise me that did not yet come to hand, but I expect it with impatience....."
He ends it with:
"I am at this moment ashamed of having so much encroached upon your civility, I beg then of you to pardon me, and to be perfectly assured that I wish for every occasion of being useful to you in any thing, and to give, you a proof of the acknowledgement, and perfect esteem with which I am
Sir Your most affec,te. humble Servt.
Louis Prince of Parma"
Souce/Link:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-30-02-0154
