Monteggia started his studies in the anatomical field of medicine but was also interested in a wider biology: he practiced as a botanist and as a chemist under the supervision of Antonio Porati. On June 11, 1781, Monteggia did the exam of “libera pratica di chirurgia” in the University of Pavia, where afterwards was to degree in medicine. His surgical studies would determine a vision of medicine as mostly clinical. His first medical publication was written in latin and published in 1789 in Milan, named “Fasciculi Pathologici”.Fasciculi Pathologici was published in Milan at the typography of Giuseppe Marelli. This booklet is dedicated to Carlo Maria Taverna, priest of San Nazaro and member of the committee in charge the administration of ecclesiastic places, that had been instituted in 1784 by Giuseppe II. Fasciculi Pathologici is a typical example of the anatomic-pathological culture derived by the teachings of Giovanni Battista Morgagni. Examination on the corpse and in particular of its wounds, follows the clinical observation. This booklet begins with a nosological classification of pathologies in symmetrical and asymmetrical. Secondly, the author proposes a classical theme of italian anatomical research: the injuries of the head, with some first observations on the constitution and the function of the brain. There is also a traditional description of different cases of abscess. Monteggia, together with this publication, donated to the Cabinet of Anatomy of the University of Pavia, his most interesting anatomical pieces. For this action he was thanked with a letter on December 18, 1793, by Johann Peter Frank. Also the Regal Magistrate thanked him with a dispatch that testifies the relationship with the principal scientific and medical institution in Lombardy. In the 1790, Monteggia became surgeon-helper and afterwards anatomical engraver at the Ospedale Maggiore (Milan). Thanks to the support of Taverna, he managed to have a slab. Likely this was not a personal initiative: in 1791 the medical director Bartolomeo de Battisti reestablished the teaching of anatomy, in the optic of reconstituting medical schools. The same year, on December 4, with a decree of the Court, Monteggia was nominated first surgeon of the Reign’s prisons. On January 20, 1792, the Hospital Congregation gave Monteggia the assignment of giving free lectures of surgery to young surgeons.
