Kerkherdere, John Gerard

, a learned professor of the university of Louvain, was born in the neighbourhood of Maestricht, about the year 1673. He pursued his academical studies at Louvain, and distinguished himself during several years for his accurate and comprehensive knowledge of history and the belles-lettres. In 1708 he was appointed historiographer to the emperor Joseph I. and died in 1738. He was author of many works in general history and theology, of which the principal are entitled, “De Monarchia Romae Paganae secundum Concordiam inter S S. Prophetas Danielem et Joannem,” &c. and “Prodromus Danielicus, sive novi Conatus historici, critici, in ceieberrimas difficultates Historiae Veteris Testamenti.” These pieces are distinguished by profound erudition and great critical acumen, and are said to throw much light on many obscure passages in the Scriptures relating to history, chronology, and geography. He also published a Latin grammar, and a number of Latin poems. ²