, a descendant of the preceding, was born at Lyons in 1753, and died at Paris, 1789. He passed the
, a descendant of the preceding, was born at Lyons in 1753,
and died at Paris, 1789. He passed the greater part of
his life in travelling and writing, and was a member of
various academies. His works are: 1. “Dialogue 'entre
Alexandre et Titus,
” 8vo; in which he pleads the cause
of humanity against those who are called heroes and conquerors. 2. “Observations d‘un citoyen sur le nouveau
plan d’impositions,
” Œuvres diverses,
lues le jour de sa reception a l'academie de Lyon,
” Eloge de Quesnoy,
” Necrologe des Hommes celebres.
” His attachment to the economists induced him to pay this respect to
one of the chief of those writers. 5. “Eloge de
Chamousset,
” 1776, 8vo. 6. “La Paresse,
” a poem; pretended
to be translated from the Greek of Nicander, 1777, 8vo.
7. “CEuvres diverses,
” Discours,
”
&c. on the question whether the Augustan age ought to
be preferred to that of Louis XIV. as to learning and
science, 1784, 8vo. This he determines in favour of the
age of Louis; but a severe criticism having appeared in
the Journal de Paris, he published an answer, dated Neufchatel, but printed at Paris. 9. “Discours politiques,
historiques, et critiques, sur quelques Gouvernments de
l'Europe,
” Discours prononcé a
la seance de la societé d'agriculture de Lyon,
” Eloge de Count de Gebelin,
” Curiosites des environs de Paris.
” His
numerous writings, his attachment to Quesnoy, and his
liberality to count de Gebelin, procured him a considerable share of celebrity during his life, although his character was tinged with some personal oddities, and peculiarities of opinion, which frequently excited the pleasantry of
his contemporaries. It is given as an instance of his vanity,
that when he had erected some buildings for the accommodation of the frequenters of a fair, he inscribed on the
front: “Gentium commodo, Camillus III.
”
was born at Lyons, and fora long time was a practitioner there at
was born at Lyons,
and fora long time was a practitioner there at the bar. He
united, however, a knowledge of the law with a taste for
natural history, which last induced him to retire from business to St. Etienne in Forez, where he could more conveniently pursue his inquiries into the properties of fossils
and mineralogy in general. He accordingly published
“Memoires pour servir a l'histoire naturelle du Lyonnois,
Forez, et Beaujolais,
” 2 vols. 12mo, 1765; and “Melanges
d'histoire naturelle,
” which first appeared in
, surnamed Bois-Regard,a French physician and medical writer, was born at Lyons in 1658, and came to Paris without any provision,
, surnamed Bois-Regard,a French
physician and medical writer, was born at Lyons in 1658,
and came to Paris without any provision, but defrayed the
expences of his philosophical studies in the college of
the Grassins by teaching a few pupils. He was at length
a professor in that college; and, in 1687, became first
known to the literary world by a translation of Pacatus’
panegyric on Theodosius the Great. Quitting theology,
however, to which he had hitherto applied, he turned to
the study of medicine, received his doctor’s degree at
Rheims, and in 1697 was admitted of the faculty at Paris.
Some share of merit, and a turn for intrigue, contributed
greatly to his success, and he became professor of the
Royal College, censor, and a contributor to the Journal
des Savants; and, although there were strong prejudices
against him on account of the manner in which he contrived
to rise; and his satirical humour, which spared neither
friend or foe, he was in 1724, chosen dean of the faculty.
His first measures in this office were entitled to praise;
convinced of the superiority of talent which the practice of
physic requires, he reserved to the faculty that right of
inspecting the practice of surgery, which they had always
enjoyed, and made a law that no surgeon should perform
the operation of lithotomy, unless in the presence of a
physician. After this he wished to domineer over the faculty itself, and endeavoured to appoint his friend Helvetius to be first physician to the king, and protector of
the faculty. But these and other ambitious attempts were
defeated in 1726, when it was decided, that all the decrees
of the faculty should be signed by a majority, and not be
liable to any alteration by the dean. After this he was
perpetually engaged in disputes with some of the members,
particularly Hecquet, Lemery, and Petit, and many abusive
pamphlets arose from these contests. Andry, however,
was not re-elected dean, and had only to comfort himself
Vy some libels against his successor Geoffroy, for which,
and his general turbulent character, cardinal* Fleury
would no longer listen to him, but took the part of the
university and the faculty. Andry died May 13, 1742,
aged eighty-four. His works were very numerous, and
many of them valuable: 1. “Traite de la generation des
Vers dans le corps de I'homme,
” Traite des Aliments;
” and by
Valisnieri, who fixed on him the nickname of Homo venniculosus, as he pretended to find worms at the bottom of
every disorder. Andry answered these attacks in a publication entitled “Eclaircissements sur le livre de generation, &c.
” 2. “Remarques de medicine sur differents
sujets, principalement sur ce qui regard e la Saignee et la
Purgation,
” Paris, Le Regime du
Careme,
” Paris, 1710, 12mo, reprinted 1713, 2 vols. and
afterwards in three, in answer to the opinions of Hecqnet.
4. “Thé de l'Europe, ou les proprietes de la veronique,
”
Paris, Examen de difFerents points
d' Anatomic, &c,
” Paris, Remarques de chemie touchant la preparation de certains remedes,
” Paris, Chimie medicale.
”
7. “Cleon a Eudoxe, touchant la pre-eminence de la
Medicine sur la Chirurgie.
” Paris, Orthopedic; ou l'art de prevenir et de corriger, dans les
enfants, les Difformites du corps,
” Paris,
, a geometrician of the seventeenth century, was born at Lyons in 1597, and died there in 1661. He was the friend
, a geometrician of the seventeenth century, was born at Lyons in 1597, and died there
in 1661. He was the friend of Descartes; this friendship
was of service to them both Descartes instructed hisfriend, and Des Argues defended his master against
Fermat and Bourdin. He wrote, 1. “Un Traite de Perspective,
” fol. 2. “Traite des Sections Coniques, 8vo. 3.
” La
Pratique du Trait,“8vo. 4.
” Traite de la coupe des
Pierres,“8vo, an excellent work on stone-cutting. 5.
” Maniere de poser l'essieu aux cadrans solaires.“6.
” Maniere
de graver en taille douce, et a l'eau forte." All these
treatises are said to be written with precision, and in a
better style than might have been expected from his
time.
, a French philosopher, was born at Lyons in 1714, was brought up to the church, and became
, a French philosopher, was born at
Lyons in 1714, was brought up to the church, and became
a professor of philosophy in his native country. In conjunction with the intendant Michaudiere, he drew up a
state of the population of the district of Lyons, which was
published under the name of Mezence, who was secretary
to the intendant. In 1769, the abbe Audra was appointed
professor of history in the college of Toulouse, and, we
are told, filled that chair with distinction. It was here he
wrote the first volume of his “General History,
” which
proved thecause of his death. The archbishop of Toulouse
issued a mandate in which he condemned the work as being
replete with dangerous principles; and the author’s mortification on hearing of this affected his brain to such a
degree, as to carry hinj off in twenty- four hours, Sept.
17, 1770. Voltaire and D'Alembert praise this history, as
likely to give offence only to bigots and fanatics, from
which we may safely infer that the archbishop’s opinion of
it was not ill founded.
, the second of this name, and second son to Claude, the founder of the family, was born at Lyons in 1639, and went to Rome to study painting, where
, the second of this name, and second son to Claude, the founder of the family, was born at Lyons in 1639, and went to Rome to study painting, where he succeeded so well, that, at his return, he was employed by Le Brun, to assist him in the battles of Alexander, which he was then painting for the king of France. He was received into the royal academy in the year 1675, and died unmarried at Paris in 1684. His virtues, says abbe Fontenai, were as praiseworthy as his talents were great. M. Heineken mentions him as an engraver, but without specifying any of his prints.
was the second son of Germain Audran, and was born at Lyons in 1661, where be learned the first principles
was the second son of Germain Audran, and was born at Lyons in 1661, where be learned the first principles of design and engraving, under the instruction of his father. But soon after going to Paris, his uncle Gerard took him under his tuition, and Bcnoit so greatly profited by his instructions, that though he never equalled the sublime style of his tutor, yet he acquired, and deservedly, great reputation. His manner was founded upon the bold, clear style of his uncle. His outlines were firm and determined his drawing correct the heads of his figures are in general very expressive and the other extremities well marked. He was honoured with the appellation of the king’s engraver, and received the royal pension. He was made an academician, and admitted into the council in 1715. He died unmarried at Louzouer, where he had an estate, in 1721.
, the last son of Germain Audran, was born at Lyons in 1670, from whence he went to Paris, after the
, the last son of Germain Audran, was born at Lyons in 1670, from whence he went to Paris, after the example of his brothers, to complete his studies in the school of his uncle Gerard. He died suddenly at Paris, in 1712, aged 42, before he had produced any great number of prints by his own hand but, it is presumed, he assisted his brothers in their more extensive works. Benedict Audran, the son of John, was also an engraver of some note, and died in 1772.
, a French poet and wit of the seventeenth century, was born at Lyons-la-Foret, a small town in Upper Normandy, in 1612.
, a French poet and wit of
the seventeenth century, was born at Lyons-la-Foret, a
small town in Upper Normandy, in 1612. He was born
but not educated a Protestant, his father having turned
Catholic when he was very young; and when about seven
or eight years of age, he went to be confirmed, the bishop
who performed the ceremony asked him “if he was not
willing to change his name of Isaac for one more Christian.
”
*' With all my heart,“replied he,
” provided I get any
thing by the exchange.“The bishop, surprized at such
a ready answer, would not change his name.
” Let his
name be Isaac still,“said he,
” for whatever it is, he will
make the most of it." Benserade lost his father when he
was very young; and being left with little fortune, and
this much involved in law, he chose rather to give it up
than sue for it. His mother’s name, however, being Laporte, he claimed relationship to the cardinal Richelieu,
who without examining too nicely into the matter, had him
educated, and would have provided for him in the church
if he had not preferred the court, where he soon became
famous for his wit and poetry; and Richelieu granted him
a pension, which was continued till the death of this cardinal. It is probable that Benserade would have found the
same protection in the duchess of Aiguillon, if the following four verses, which he had made on the death of the
cardinal, had not given her great offence:
, a French mathematician and astronomer, was born at Lyons, March 5, 1703, entered among the Jesuits, and
, a French mathematician and astronomer, was born at Lyons, March 5, 1703, entered
among the Jesuits, and became professor of humanity at
Vienne and at Avignon, and of mathematics and philosophy at Aix. In 1740 he was invited to Lyons and appointed professor of mathematics, director of the observatory, and keeper of the medals and the same year he became astronomer to the academy, the memoirs of which are
enriched by a great many of his observations, particularly
that on the passage of Mercury on the Sun, May 6, 1753,
during which he saw and demonstrated the luminous ring
round that planet, which had escaped the notice of all the
astronomers for ten years before. In all his results, he
entirely agreed with Lalande, who had made the same observations at Paris, and with the celebrated Cassini. All
his observations, indeed, are creditable to his talents, and
accord with those of the most eminent astronomers.
Among his other papers, inserted in the memoirs of the
academy, we find several on vegetation, on the evaporation of liquids, and the ascent of vapours, on light, a physical theory on the rotation of the earth and the inclination
of its axis, &c. In meteorology, he published observations on the tubes of thermometers, with an improvement
in the construction of them, which was the subject of three
memoirs read in the academy of Lyons in 1747. He has
also endeavoured to account for metals reduced to calcination weighing heavier than in their former state, and maintains, against Boyle, that fire is incapable of giving this
additional weight, and likewise refutes the opinion of those
who attribute it to air, or to substances in the air which the
action of fire unites to the metal in fusion. This memoir
was honoured with the prize by the academy of Bourdeaux
in 1747, and contained many opinions which it would have
been difficult to contradict before the experiments of
Priestley, Lavoisier, and Morveau. In 1748, he received
the same honour, from that academy, for a paper in which
he maintained the connexion between magnetism and electricity, assigning the same cause to both. In 1760, he received a third prize from the same academy, for a dissertation on the influences of the moon on vegetation and animal oeconomy. Beraud was also a corresponding member
of the academy of sciences in Paris, and several of his
papers are contained in their memoirs, and in those of the
academy of Lyons. He wrote several learned dissertations
on subjects of antiquity. On the dissolution of the society
of Jesuits, he left his country for some time, as he could
not conscientiously take the oaths prescribed, and on his
return, notwithstanding many pressing offers to be restored
to the academy, he preferred a private life, never having
recovered the shock which the abolition of his order had
occasioned. In this retirement he died June 26, 1777.
His learning and virtues were universally admired he was
of a communicative disposition, and equal and candid temper, both in his writings and private life. Montucla, Lalande, and Bossu, were his pupils and father Lefevre of
the Oratory, his successor in the observatory of Lyons,
pronounced his eloge in that academy, which was printed
at Lyons, 1780, 12mo. The Dict. Hist, ascribed to Beraud, a small volume, “La Physique des corps animus,
”
12mo.
, a French writer, was born at Lyons, Feb. 13, 1709, of a distinguished family, and
, a French writer, was
born at Lyons, Feb. 13, 1709, of a distinguished family,
and died there in 1793. He wrote, 1. “De la corruption
du gout dans la Musique Francaise,
” De
la Bibliomanie,
” 1761, 8vo, a subject since so ably
handled by Mr. Dibdin. 3. “Discours sur l'Emulation,
”
Essai sur la lecture,
” Renovation des voeux litteraires,
” which was afterwards published.
, a French antiquary, was born at Lyons, Jan. 28, 1680, of parents who gave him an excellent
, a French antiquary, was
born at Lyons, Jan. 28, 1680, of parents who gave him
an excellent education. He attached himself at first to
jurisprudence, but antiquities and medals soon occupied
him entirely. The chancellor de Pontchartrain, the abbe
Bignon, Vaillant, Haruouin, admired him for the amiableness of his manners, and the depth of his learning. In
1705 he published some ingenious dissertations upon
medals and other monuments, which procured him to be
admitted into the academy of inscriptions and belles-lettres,
under the title of pupil; and the year following he became
perpetual secretary. The French academy too admitted
him of their society in 1715, as successor to M. Fenelon.
He was made keeper of the royal cabinet of medals in
1719; and the year after he set out for Holland, with the
view of augmenting that grand collection. On returning
to Paris he devoted the whole of his time to the academy
of belles-lettres, to which he contributed a great many
memoirs, and the cabinet of medals. He had the inspection of the library in 1745, during the illness of M. Maboul, before which time he resigned the place of secretary
to the academy. He died the 10th of September, 1753,
aged seventy-four. He was as estimable for the sweetness
of his temper as for the depth of his knowledge. Among
his works, are: 1. The edition of the first 15 vols. of the
“Memoires de l'academie des inscriptions et belleslettres.
” The historical panegyrics which embellish
these memoirs were printed separately in 2 vols. 12mo.
They are ingenious and agreeable; they may contain
fewer of those delicate strokes with which the éloges
of Fontenelle abound, but perhaps they exceed them
in elegance and taste! They are, however, unequal.
2. The second edition of the “Medallic history of Louis
XIV.
” brought down to his death, 1723, folio. He gives
the drawings and impresses of many of them. 3. “The
history of the emperor Tetricus illustrated by medals.
”
4. Several dissertations on the ancient medals, dispersed
for the most part throughout the “Memoires de l'academie
des belles-lettres.
” 5. He published the “Catalogue of
his library,
” Yellow
Book,
” “Livre jaune, contenant quelques conversations
sur les logomachies, disputes de mots, abus de termes,
”
&c. Bale,
, of France, was born at Lyons in 1671. He was at first a Jesuit, but afterwards
, of France, was born at Lyons
in 1671. He was at first a Jesuit, but afterwards an advocate, a member of the academy of Lyons, and librarian
of the public library there. In 1716, he published the
works of Boileau, in 2 vols. 4to, with historical illustrations: and, after that, the works of Regnier. He reformed the text of both these authors from the errors of
the preceding editions, and seasoned his notes with many
useful and curious anecdotes of men and things. His only
fault, the fault of almost all commentators, is, that he did
not use the collections he had made with sufficient sobriety
and judgment; and has inserted many things, no ways necessary to illustrate his authors, and some that are even
frivolous. He wrote also “L'Histoire abrege*e de la ville
de Lyon,
” with elegance and precision, resembled Atticus. who kept terms, and
even cultivated friendship, at the same time with Caesar
and Pompey.
” The enmity between Rousseau and Voltaire is well known.
, a French mathetician and engineer, was born at Lyons July 24, 1657, and educated there in the college
, a French mathetician and engineer, was born at Lyons July 24, 1657,
and educated there in the college of Jesuits, from whence
he removed to Paris in 1675. He first made an acquaintance with du Hamel, secretary to the academy of sciences;
who, observing his genius to lie strongly towards astronomy,
presented him to Cassini. Cassini took him with him to
the observatory, and employed him under him, where he
made a very rapid progress in the science. In 1683, the
academy carried on the great work of the meridian to the
north and south, begun in 1670, and Cassini having the
southern quarter assigned him, took in the assistance of
Chazelles. In 1684, the duke of Montemart engaged
Chazelles to teach him mathematics, and the year after
procured him the preferment of hydrography-professor for
the gallies of Marseilles, where he set up a school for
young pilots designed to serve on board the gailies. In
1686, the gallies made four little campaigns, or rather four
courses, for exercise, during which Chazelles always went
on board, kept his school on the sea, and shewed the
practice of what he taught. He likewise made a great
many geometrical and astronomical observations, which
enabled him to draw a new map of the coast of Provence.
In 1687 and 1688 he made two other sea campaigns, and
drew a great many plans of ports, roads, towns, and forts,
which were so much prized as to be lodged with the
ministers of state. At the beginning of the war which
ended with the peace of Ryswick, Chazelles and some
marine officers fancied the gailies might be so contrived as
to live upon the ocean, and might serve to tow the men of
war when the wind failed, or proved contrary; and also
help to secure the coast of France upon the ocean. He
was sent to the western coasts in July 1689 to prove this
scheme; and in 1690 fifteen gailies, new-built, set sail
from Rochefort, cruised as far as Torbay in England,
and proved serviceable at the descent upon Tinmouth.
Here he performed the functions of an engineer, and
shewed the courage of a soldier. The general officers he
served under declared that when they sent him to take a
view of any post of the enemy, they could rely entirely
upon his intelligence. The gallies, after their expedition,
came to the mouth of the Seine into the basons of Havre
de Grace and Honfleur; but could not winter because it
was necessary to empty these basons several times, to prevent the stagnation and stench of the water. He proposed
to carry them to Rohan; and though all the pilots were
against him, objecting insuperable difficulties, he succeeded in the undertaking* While he was at Rohan he
digested into order the observations which he had made on
the coasts, and drew distinct maps, with a portulan to
them, viz. a large description of every haven, of the
depth, the tides, the dangers and advantages discovered,
&c. which were inserted in the “Neptune Francois,
” published in Neptune François
”
carried on to a second volume, which was also to include
the Mediterranean. Chazelles desired that he might have
a year’s voyage in this sea, for making astronomical observations; and, the request being granted, he passed by
Greece, Egypt, and the other parts of Turkey, with his
quadrant and telescope in his hand. When he was in
Egypt he measured the pyramids, and found that the four
sides of the largest lay precisely against the four quarters
of the world. Now as it is highly probable that this exact
position to east, west, north, and south, was designed
3000 years ago by those that raised this vast structure, it
follows, that, during so long an interval, there lias been
no alteration in the situation of the heavens; or, that the
poles of the earth and the meridians have all along continued the same. He likewise made a report of his voyage
in the Levant, and gave the academy all the satisfaction
they wanted concerning the position of Alexandria: upon
which he was made a member of the academy in 1695.
Chazelles died Jan. 16, 1710, of a malignant fever. He
was a very extraordinary and useful man; and, besides his
great genius and attainments, was also remarkable for his
moral and religious endowments.
, sculptor in ordinary to the French king, was born at Lyons in 1658, and died at Paris the 1st of May, 1733,
, sculptor in ordinary to the
French king, was born at Lyons in 1658, and died at Paris
the 1st of May, 1733, aged 75, member of the royal academy of painting and sculpture. He went to Italy as pensionary of the king. It was there he produced his fine
statue of the emperor Commodus, represented under the
character of Hercules, forming one of the ornaments of the
gardens of Versailles. On his return to France, he decorated Paris, Versailles, and Marly, with several pieces of
exquisite workmanship. The groupe at the back of the
high-altar of Notre Dame de Paris is by him, as well as the
two groupes ut Marly, representing two horses tamed by
grooms. A fop, who gave himself airs as a great connoisseur, thought fit to say to the artist, while he was employed on this his last grand work: “But this bridle, methinks, should be tighter.
” “What pity, sir,
” replied
Coustou, “you did not come in a moment sooner! you
would have seen the bridle just as you would have it; but
these horses are so tender-mouthed, that it could not continue so for the twinkling of an eye.
” In all his productions he displays an eleyated genius; with a judicious and
delicate taste, a fine selection, a chaste design, natural,
pathetic and noble attitudes; and his draperies are rich,
elegant, and mellow. His brother William was director
of the royal academy of painting and sculpture, and died
at Paris the 22d of February, 1746, at the age of 69. Although he had not much less merit in the number and
perfection of his works, he was not always esteemed so highly
as he deserved.
, engraver to the French king, was born at Lyons, and settled at Paris, where he died in 1741,
, engraver to the French king, was born at Lyons, and settled at Paris, where he died in 1741, at a very advanced age. He engraved subjects from the ancient mythology, especially after the paintings of Correggio. But the greatest of all his performances is a long series of portraits in busts, of persons signalized by their birth, in war, in the ministry, in the magistracy, in the sciences, and in the arts. This series amounts to upwards of seven hundred portraits, with verses at bottom, the greater part of them by Gacou. The emperor Charles VI. recompensed des Rochers with a fine golden medal for some impressions of the portrait of his imperial majesty, which this engraver had sent him.
, zm evninmt French hydrographer, was born at Lyons in 1738, of a fatally distinguished in the profession
, zm evninmt
French hydrographer, was born at Lyons in 1738, of a
fatally distinguished in the profession of the law, but devoted his attention from his infancy to marine studies. He
arrived at the rank of a naval captain in the French service, and was employed many years before the revolution
in the office of their marine, under the title of director of
the ports and arsenals. His countrymen impute to his
labours and skill the figure which the French navy was
enabled to make in the American war. In 1790 he was
appointed minister of the marine, and filled that important
situation with great integrity; but dreading the influence
of popular opinion, he gave in his resignation in 1791,
when the mob were gaining a fatal ascendancy. He had
before requested of the king to separate the colonial department of the marine from the other, and make it a distinct office, with which his majesty did not at that time
think it necessary to comply. During his administration
he published a work to illustrate the history of navigation,
entitled “Decouvertes des Francois en 1768 et 1769, dans
le sud-est de la Nouvelle-Guine,
” Paris,
of his work entitled “Causes Cé1ebres,” in twenty volumes duodecimo, than for any merit as a writer, was born at Lyons in 1673, of a noble family of the robe, and was
, a French author, remarkable rather for the magnitude of his work entitled
“Causes Cé1ebres,
” in twenty volumes duodecimo, than
for any merit as a writer, was born at Lyons in 1673, of a
noble family of the robe, and was educated at Paris, but
seemed destined to fail in every walk of life. He began
by taking orders, and became an abbé; he then quitted
the church for the army, where he obtained no distinction,
and at the age of fifty, became an advocate. Not succeeding in this occupation, he applied himself diligently to
his pen; in which employment he rather proved his assiduity than his powers. His great work, though interesting in its subject, is rendered intolerable by the heaviness
and badness of the style, with the puerilities and bad
verses interspersed. It has been two or three times,
abridged. His other works are not more admired. They
are, 1. “An Account of the Campaigns of 1713 and
1714;
” a compilation from the Memoirs of Vilbart 2.
“The Art of adorning and improving the Mind,
” a foolish
collection of witticisms and 3. A compilation entitled
“Bibliotheque des Gens de Cour.
” He died in
, an eminent patron of literature, was born at Lyons in 1479; and very early displayed a propensity
, an eminent patron of literature,
was born at Lyons in 1479; and very early displayed a
propensity towards those elegant and solid pursuits, which
afterwards secured him the admiration and esteem of his
contemporaries. His address was easy, his manners were
frank, yet polished; his demeanour was engaging, and his
liberality knew no bounds. As he advanced in years, he
advanced in reputation; enjoying a princely fortune, the
result, in some measure, of a faithful and honourable discharge of the important diplomatic situations which he
filled. He was grand treasurer to Francis I. and ambassador from that monarch to pope Clement VII. During his
abode at Rome he employed the Alduses to print for him
an edition of Terence in 1521, 8vo, and another of Budaeus’s work “De Asse,
” I dined
along with Aldus, his son Manutius, and other learned men
at Grollier’s table. After dinner, and just as the dessert
had been placed on the table, our host presented each of
his guests with a pair of gloves filled with ducats.
” De
Thou speaks very highly of his character. During his travels he had secured from Basil, Venice, and Rome, the
most precious copies of books that could be purchased,
which he bound in a peculiar style, described in our authority. Every library and every scholar has boasted of a
book from Grollier’s library since it was dispersed, and
during his life-time it was his pride to accommodate his
friends with the use of them. He died at Paris in 1565.
, an eminent mathematician, was born at Lyons in 1660. Being intended for the bar, he was sent
, an eminent mathematician, was born at Lyons in 1660. Being intended for
the bar, he was sent to study the law first at the college of
Lyons, and next at the university of Thoulouse but having accidentally met with Fournier’s Euclid, and a treatise
on algebra, mathematics became his favourite science. In
1686 he came to Paris, was soon after appointed tutor to
the duke de Noailles, elected a member of the academy of
sciences, and was appointed by Louis XIV, royal hydrographer at Rochefort; but sixteen years afterwards, he
was recalled to Paris, and made librarian to the king with
a considerable pension. He died April 11, 1734, and in
his last moments, when he no longer knew the persons
who surrounded his bed, one of them, through a foolish
curiosity, asked him “What is the square of 12
” to which
he replied, as it were mechanically, New Methods for the Extraction and Approximation
of Roots,
” Elements of Arithmetic and
Algebra,
” On the Cubature of the,
Sphere,
” A general Analysis, or Method of resolving Problems,
” published by Richer in
, master of the works to the French kin;', was born at Lyons about the beginning of the sixteenth century.
, master of the works to the French kin;', was born at Lyons about the beginning of the sixteenth century. At fourteen, he went into Italy, to study the beauties of antiquity. There he became acquainted with Cervius, afterwards pope Marceilus II. who had a good taste for the polite arts, and, conceiving a great esteem for Lorme, communicated to him every thing that he knew. Enriched with the spoils of antiquity, he returned to Lyons in 1536, and banished thence the Gothic taste. At length, going to Paris, to work for the cardinal de Bellay, he was soon employed in the court of Henry II. He made the Horse-shoe, a fortification at Fontainbleau, built the stately chateau of Anet and Meudon; the palace of the Thuilleries, and repaired and ornamented several of the royal houses, as Villiers, Colerets, St. Germain then called the castle of the Muette, the Louvre, &c. These services were recompensed above his expectations. He was made almoner and counsellor to the king, and had the abbies of St. Eloy and St. Serge of Angers conferred upon him.
, a Jesuit, was born at Lyons in 1633. Besides his skill in the ancient languages,
, a Jesuit, was born
at Lyons in 1633. Besides his skill in the ancient languages, and acquaintance with the classic authors, he had
a particular talent for heraldry, and for the arrangement
and marshalling of all splendid ceremonies, such as canonizations, &c. so that his plans for those occasions were
sought with great avidity. The fertility of his imagination
constantly displayed itself in an incredible variety of inscriptions, devices, medals, and other ornaments. He travelled in Italy, Flanders, Germany, and England; and in
all places gained improvement and amusement. His memory was so prodigious, that, in order to try it, Christina
queen of Sweden, pronounced in his presence at Lyons,
and had written down, 300 unconnected words, the strangest
she could think of, and it is said that he repeated them all
exactly in the same order. This wonderful memory supplied him with an inexhaustible fund of anecdotes; and he
spoke Greek and Latin with as much facility as French.
He died Jan. 31, 1705, being then seventy-four. His
works that remain are, 1. “History of Louis the Great, by
medals, emblems, devices, &c.
” 2. “Consular History
of the city of Lyons,
” Methode de Blason,
” an edition of which was published
at Lyons, in La Philosophic des Images,
”
ographer and miscellaneous writer, familiarly known in France by the title of the abbe de St. Leger, was born at Lyons, April 1, 1734. He entered when young, into the
, a learned bibliographer
and miscellaneous writer, familiarly known in France by
the title of the abbe de St. Leger, was born at Lyons,
April 1, 1734. He entered when young, into the congregation of St. Genevieve, of which he became librarian, at
the time that the learned Pingre, his predecessor in that
office, went to observe the transit of Venus. In 1764,
when Louis XV. visited this library, he was so much
pleased with Mercier’s intelligent manner of displaying its
treasures, that he appointed him abbe of St. Leger at
Soisson, a preferment which then happened to be vacant
Mercier often travelled to Holland and the Netherlands to
visit the libraries and learned men of those countries, and
was industriously following his various 'literary pursuits,
when the revolution interrupted his tranquillity, and reduced him to a state of indigence. This he could have
borne; but the many miseries he witnessed around him,
and particularly the sight of his friend the abbe Poyer
dragged to the scaffold, proved too much for his constitution. He continued to linger on, however, until May 13,
1799, when death relieved him. He was a man of great
learning and research, as his works evidently shew, and in
his private character, social, communicative, and amiable.
His works are, 1. “Lettre sur la Bibliographic de Debure,
”
Lettre a M. Capperonier,
” on the
same subject, which was followed by a third, printed in
the “Journal de Trevoux.
” 3. “Lettre sur le veritable
auteur du Testament Politique du cardinal de Richelieu,
”
Paris, Supplement a l‘Histoire de l’imprimerie de Prosper Marchand,
” Lettre sur la Pucelle D'Orleans,
” Dissertation sur Pauteur du livre de
PImitation de Jesus-Christ.
” 7. “Notice du livre rare,
intitule* Pedis Admirandte, par J. d'Artis.
” 8. “Notice
de la Platopodologie d'Antoine Fiance, medecin de Besangon,
” a curious satire by Fiance. 9. “Lettre a un ami,
sur la suppression de la Charge de Bibliothecaire du roi en
France,
” (Paris), Notice sur les tornbeaux des dues de Bourgogne.
” 11. '“Lettres sur differentes editions rares du 15 siecle,
” Paris, Observations
surPEssai d'un projet de Catalogue de Bibliotheque.
” 13.
“Description* d'une giraffe vue a Fano.
” 14. “Notice
raisonnée des ouvrages de Gaspard Schott, Jesuite,
” Bibliotheque de Romans traduits du Grec.
”
Lettre sur le projet de decret
concernant les religieux, proposee a PAssemblee Nationale
par M. Treilhard,
” Lettre sur un nouveau Dictionnaire Historique portatif en 4 vols. 8vo.
” This,
wbich appeared in the *' Journal de Trevoux," contains a
sharp critique upon the first volumes of Cbaudon’s Dictionary. Mercier bestowed great pains in correcting and
improving his copy of this work, which fell in the hands of
thcs editors of the last edition of the Diet. Hist. Mercier
was frequently employed in the public libraries; and those
of Soubise and La Valliere owe much of their treasures to
his discoveries of curious books. He was also a frequent
writer in the Journal de Trevoux, the Journal des S9avans,
the Magazin Encyclopedique, and the Annee Litteraire.
He left some curious manuscripts, and manuscript notes
and illustrations of many of his books.
, a celebrated mathematician, was born at Lyons in the year 1725, and giving early indications
, a celebrated mathematician, was born at Lyons in the year 1725, and giving
early indications of a love of learning, was placed under the
instructions of the Jesuits, with whom he acquired an intimate acquaintance with the ancient and modern languages,
and some knowledge of the mathematics. At the age of
sixteen he went to Toulouse to study the law, and was admitted an advocate, though without much intention of
practising at the bar. Having completed his studies, he
went to Paris, cultivated an acquaintance with the most
distinguished literary characters, and it was owing to his
intercourse with them, that he was induced to undertake
his “History of the Mathematical Sciences.
” But in the
interim he published new editions, with additions and
improvements, of several mathematical treatises which
were already held in the highest estimation. The first of
these was “Mathematical Recreations,
” by M. Ozanam,
which has been since translated into English, and published in London, in 4 vols. 8vo. To all the works which
he edited, after Ozanam’s, he gave the initials of his name.
He also contributed his assistance for some years to “The
French Gazette;
” and in History of Inquiries relative to the Quadrature of the
Circle.
” The encouragement which this met with from
very able judges of its merit, afforded him great encouragement to apply with ardour to his grand design, “The
History of the Mathematics;
” and in History,
” in two volumes, 4to, which terminates with
the close of the 17th century. It answered the expectations
of all his friends, and of men of science in all countries, and
the author was instantly elevated to a high rank in the
learned world. His fame was widely diffused, and he was
pressed from all quarters to proceed with the mathematical
history of the 18th century, which he had announced for
the subject of a third volume, and for which he had made
considerable preparations; but he was diverted from his
design, by receiving the appointment of secretary to the
Intendance at Grenoble. Here he spent his leisure hours
chiefly in retirement, and in scientific pursuits. In 1764,
Turgot, being appointed to establish a colony at Cayenne,
took Montucla with him as his “secretary,
” to which was
added the title of “astronomer to the king,
” and although
he returned without attaining any particular object with
regard to the astronomical observations, for which he went
out, he had an opportunity of collecting some valuable
tropical plants, with which he enriched the king’s hothouses at Versailles. Soon after his return, he was
appointed chief clerk in an official department, similar to
that known in this country by the name of the “Board of
Works,
” which he retained till the place was abolished in
1792, when he was reduced to considerable pecuniary embarrassments. Under the pressure of these circumstances,
he began to prepare a new and much enlarged edition of
his “History,
” which he presented to the world in
, an eminent agricultural writer, was born at Lyons, Jan. 24, 1734. His father, who was engaged in
, an eminent agricultural writer, was
born at Lyons, Jan. 24, 1734. His father, who was engaged
in commerce, dying while he was young, and without property, he entered into the ecclesiastical order; but he had
scarce ended his studies, when the soil, cultivation, &c. of
the beautiful country near Lyons, began to occupy his attention, and Columella, Varro, and Olivier de Serres, became his favourite authors. In the study of botany he
took La Tourette for his guide, who was his countryman
and friend. With him, after being appointed director of
the school at Lyons, which he soon left, he published, in
1766, “Elementary Demonstrations of Botany,
” a work
that passed through many editions. In Journal de Physique
et d'Histoire Naturelle,
” which was conducted with
greater reputation than in the hands of his predecessor
Gauthier d‘Agoty. In this work he gave clear and interesting accounts of all new discoveries in physics, chemistry, and natural history. ’ Having been, by the recommendation of the king of Poland, presented to a valuable
priory, he had leisure to turn his attention to his favourite
project of a complete body, or “Cours d' Agriculture.
” As
Paris was not the place for an object of this kind, he purchased an estate at Beziers, where his studies and observations enabled him to complete his “Cours,
” in 10 vols.
4to, except the last, which did not appear till after the
author’s death. In 1788 he went to Lyons, and was admitted a member of the academy, and the government gave
him the direction of the public nursery ground. On the
revolution Rozier was one of its earliest partizaris, and one
of its victims; for in September 1793, during the siege of
Lyons, a bomb falling upon his bed, buried his body in the
ruins of his house. He was author of several treatises on
the method of making wines, and distilling brandy, on the
culture of turnip and cole-seed, on oil-mills, and other
machinery.
ded of an illustrious family, his father and grandfather having been pretorian prefects in Gaul, and was born at Lyons about 430. He was educated with care, performed
, a learned ecclesiastic of the fifth century, was descended of an illustrious family, his father and grandfather having been pretorian prefects in Gaul, and was born at Lyons about 430. He was educated with care, performed his studies under the best masters of that time, and became very skilful in all parts of literature, especially in poetry. He married Papianilla, the daughter of Avitus, who, from the office of pretorian prefect in Gaul, was raised to the imperial throne, after the death of Maximus. But Majorianus, whom Leo had taken into a partnership of the empire, forced Avitus to lay down his crown, and came to besiege the city of Lyons, where Sidonius had shut himself up. The city being taken, he fell into the hands of the enemy but the reputation of his great learning softened the barbarity of his enemies, and in return for their lenient treatment of him, he wrote a poem in honour of Majorianus, who was so highly gratified with it as to erect a statue to Sidonius in the city of Rome. The emperor Anthemius was equally pleased with a panegyric which Sidonius wrote in praise of him, and made him governor of Rome, and a patrician; but he soon quitted his secular employment, and obtained preferment in the church, being in 472 chosen, against his will, as reported, bishop of Clermont. He appears however to have been worthy of the station by learning and charity. His liberality indeed was highly conspicuous, and even before he was bishop, he frequently converted his silver plate to the use of the poor. When Clermont was besieged by the Goths, he encouraged the people to stand upon their defence, and would never consent to the surrender of the city; so that, when it was delivered up, he was forced to fly, but was soon restored. Some time after, he was opposed by two factious priests, who deprived him of the government of his church; but he was again re-instated with honour at the end of a year. He died in peace in 487, after he had been bishop fifteen years.
, son of the preceding, was born at Lyons in 1647. After an education of great care, he
, son of the preceding, was born at Lyons in 1647. After an education of great care, he was admitted doctor of physic at Montpellier in 1667, and a member of the college of physicians at Lyons in 1669. These two years he spent at Strasburg with Boeder; and there becoming very intimate with Charles Patin, he contracted, probably from that gentleman, a strong passion for antiquities. Some time after, Vaillant, the king’s antiquary, passing through Lyons to Italy in quest of medals and other antiquities, Spon accompanied him. He afterwards, in 1675 amj 1676, made a voyage to Dalmatia, Greece, and the Levant, in company with Mr. (afterwards sir) George Wheler (see Wheler); of all which places he has given us an account, which was published in English. Whether he was weak by constitution, or injured his health in this voyage, does not appear; but he afterwards became a valetudinarian. Being of the reformed religion, he was obliged to emigrate in 1685, when the edict of Nantes was revoked. He intended to retire to Zurich, the freedom of which city had been bestowed in an honorary manner upon his father, and was upon the road thither; but wintering at Vevay, a town upon the lake Leman, he died there in 1686. He was a member of the academy of the Ricovrati at Padua; of that of the Beaux Esprits, esublishevi Nismes by letters patent in 1682 and he would have b; an ornament to any society, being a man of great learnir, and integrity.
, brother to the preceding, was born at Lyons in 1670, and educated at the house of the oratory
, brother to the preceding, was
born at Lyons in 1670, and educated at the house of the
oratory at Paris, which he quitted very soon. He afterwards entered into it again, and then left it finally, a proof
of unsteadiness, at which his father was so angry, having
resolved to breed up all his sons to the church, that he reduced him by his will to a very moderate income; which,
however, John bore without complaining. He went to
Paris, and obtained the acquaintance of the abbe* Bignon,
who became his protector and patron, and procured him a
place in the academy of sciences in 1707. In 1721, he
was elected a professor in the college royal. When the
disputes about Homer between La Motte and madam Dacier were at their height, he thought proper to enter the
lists, and wrote “Une Dissertation contre Plliade,
” in 2
vols. 12mo, which did very little credit to his taste or
judgment. He had, however, better success in his “Sethos,
” which, as a learned and philosophical romance, has
considerable merit. It has been translated into English.
Another work of Terrasson is J< A French Translation of
Diodorus Siculus, with a preface and notes," which has
been much commended.
, the first of a family of eminent printers and booksellers, called in French Detournes, was born at Lyons in 1504, and learned printing first in the house
, the first of a family of eminent
printers and booksellers, called in French Detournes, was
born at Lyons in 1504, and learned printing first in the
house of Sebastian Gryphius. He appears to have established another house about 1540, and printed many books
in the name and on account of Gryphius; but from 1544
we find his own name to a number of very correct editions.
Among others may be mentioned, an edition of “Petrarch,
”
in Italian, Dante,
” Les Marguerites des Marguerites de la reine de Navarre,
”
Vitruviu$,
” with Philander' s commentary
and woodcuts finely executed, 1552, 8vo and “Froissart’s Chronicles,
” Quod tibi
fieri non vis, alteri ne faceris.
” This device is still to be
seen on the front of a house at Lyons, in the rue Raisin,
where his printing-office stood. He was succeeded by his
son, John, who was also king’s printer, and carried on the
business until 1585. His editions did not yield in elegance
or correctness to those of his father, but being obliged at
the date above-mentioned to quit his country, upon account of his religion, for he was a protestant, he settled at
Geneva, where he had every encouragement, and in 1604
became a member of the council of two hundred. Like
the Geneva printers, however, he deteriorated what he
printed here by employing bad paper. He died in 1615.
His descendants continued the printing and bookselling
business at Geneva, and had established a very extensive
trade, when in 1726, John James, and James Detournes
purchased the stock of Anisson and Posnel, famous booksellers of Lyons, and obtained permission, notwithstanding
their religion, to settle there; and as they also continued
their house at Geneva, they greatly extended their trade,
particularly to Spain and Italy. In 1740 the learned John
Christian Wolff dedicated to them his “Monumenta Typographica,
” as to the oldest printing and bookselling family in Europe. Their trade, which consisted chiefly in
theological works, having begun to fall off when the Jesuits
were suppressed, their sons, who had a plentiful fortune,
sold off the whole of their stock in 1730, and retired from
a business which had been carried on in their family with
great reputation for nearly two hundred and forty years.