, an eminent French philosopher, was born at Paris, Nov. 17, 1717. He derived the name of John le
, an eminent French philosopher, was born at Paris, Nov. 17, 1717. He derived the name of John le Rond from that of the church near which, after his birth, he was exposed as a foundling; being the illicit son of Destouches-Canon and Madame de Tencin. His father, informed of this circumstance, listened to the voice of nature and duty, took measures for the proper education of his child, and for his future subsistence in a state of ease and independence.
, a Benedictine of the congregation of St. Maur, who was born at Paris in 1654, and died at an advanced age at St. Denys
, a Benedictine of the congregation of St. Maur, who was born at Paris in 1654,
and died at an advanced age at St. Denys in 1728, is
known by two useful works 1. “La Medicine et la Chirurgie des pauvres,
” Paris, in 12mo, Dictionnaire Botaniqne
et Pharmaceutique,
” in 8vo, several times reprinted; in
which are found the principal properties of such minerals,
vegetables, and animals as are used in medicine. A great
number of remedies are pointed out, but not always with
sufficient care in the selection. Dr. Alexander had a very
extensive knowledge in simples. Equally pious and charitable, he employed it to the relief of his brethren, and
especially the poor.
elard. 6. “Desesperades, ou Eglogues amourouses,” Paris, 1572, 8vo. His yourrger brother Adrian, who was born at Paris 1551, and died bishop of Treguier, July 28, 1616,
lived in the latter end of the
sixteenth, and beginning of the seventeenth centuries, and
acquired in his own time considerable fame upon account
of his learning, and some portion of the spirit of literary
research. He was the son of a surgeon, but became a
great favourite in the courts of Charles IX. of France, and
his brother Henry III. and was gradually advanced to offices of high trust in the state. From his childhood, he
said, he had been always fond of looking into old libraries,
and turning over dusty manuscripts. In some of these researches he laid his hands on the letters of Abelard and
Heloise, which he read with much pleasure, and was induced to pursue his inquiries. He found other works of
the same author; but they were ill-written, and not to be
unravelled without great labour, yet nothing can withstand
the indefatigable toil of a true antiquary. Amboise procured other manuscripts; collated them together, and
finally produced one fair copy, which made ample compensation, he says, for all the labour he had endured.
Even posterity, he thinks, will be grateful to him, and
know how to value the pleasure and the profit, they will
derive from his researches. Not satisfied, however, with
the copy he possessed, he still wished to enlarge it. He
applied to different monasteries, and he again searched the
libraries in Paris, and not without success. His friends
applauded his zeal, and gave him their assistance. His
manuscripts swelled to a large bulk, and he read, arranged,
and selected what pleased him best. The rising sun, he
says, often found him at his task. So far fortune had
smiled upon his labours, but somewhat was wanting to give
them the last finish. He went over to the Paraclet, where the
abbess, Madame de Rochefoucauld, received him with the
greatest politeness. He declared the motive of his journey;
she took him by the hand, and led him to the tomb of
Abelard and Heloise. Together they examined the library
of the abbey, and she shewed him many hymns, and
prayers, and homilies, written by their founder, which were
still used in their church. Amboise then returned to Paris,
and prepared his work for the press. As the reputation of
his author, he knew, had been much aspersed by some
contemporary writers, he wished to remove the undeserved
stigma, and to present him as immaculate as might be, before the eyes of a more discerning age. With this view
he wrote a long “Apologetic preface,
” which he meant
should be prefixed to the work. In this preface, an inelegant and affected composition, he labours much to shew
that Abelard was the greatest and best man, and Heloise
the greatest and best woman, whom the annals of human
kind had recorded. He first, very fairly, brings the testimony of those, who had spoken evil of them, whom he endeavours to combat and refute. To these succeeds a list
of their admirers. He dwells on their every word, and
gives more weight to their expressions, and the result is
what we might expect from the pen of Amboise. The compilation, however, although unsuccessful in its main design, contains. some curious matter, and may be read with,
pleasure. But he did not live to see it published, for it was
not printed till the year 1616. He died before this, but
the exact time is not known. The editor of the Dictiounaire Historique places his death in 1620, which must be a
mistake. His works are, 1. “Notable Discours, en forme
de dialogue, touchant la vraie et parfaicte amitie,
” translated from the Italian of Piccolomini, Lyons, 1577, 16mo.
2. “Dialogue et Devis des Damoiselles, pour les rendre
vertueuses et bienheureuses en la vraye et parfaicte amitie.
”
Paris, Regrets facetieux et
plaisantes Harangues funebres sur la mort de divers animaulx,
” from the Italian of Ortensio Lando, Paris, Les Neapolitaines,
” a French comedy,
Paris, Desesperades, ou Eglogues amourouses,
” Paris, Holophernes,
” printed at Paris,
, a French historian, and political writer, was born at Paris, Jan. 21, 1723. Having in his seventeenth year
, a French historian, and
political writer, was born at Paris, Jan. 21, 1723. Having
in his seventeenth year entered the congregation of St. Genevieve, he distinguished himself by the ability with which
he afterwards discharged the office of teacher in theology
and literature. His residence at Rheims, as director of
the academy, seems to have suggested to him the first
idea of writing the history of that city. In 1759, he was
appointed prior of the abbey de la Roe, in Anjou, and
soon after, director of the college of Senlis, where he
composed his work entitled “L'Esprit de la Ligue.
” In
Histoire universelle.
”
When the Institute was formed, he was chosen a member of
the second class, and was soon after taken into the office of
the minister for foreign affairs, whom he thought to oblige
by. his “Motifs des traites de Paix.
” Enjoying a strong
constitution, the fruit of a placid and equal temper, and
aversion to the luxuries of the table, he was enabled to
study ten hours a day; and undertook, without fear or
scruple, literary undertakings of the most laborious kind.
Even in his eightieth year, he was projecting some new
works of considerable size, and was apparently without
a complaint, when he died, Sept. 6, 1808, in the eightyfourth year of his age. On this occasion he said to one of
his friends, “come and see a man die who is full of life.
”
, brother to the preceding, was born at Paris, Dec. 7, 1731. After having studied at the university
, brother to the preceding, was born at Paris, Dec. 7, 1731.
After having studied at the university of Paris, where he
acquired an extensive knowledge of the Hebrew, he was
invited to Auxerre by M. de Caylus, then the bishop,
who induced him to study divinity, first at the academy in,
his diocese, and afterwards at Amersfort, near Utrecht;
but Anquetil had no inclination for the church, and returned with avidity to the study of the Hebrew, Arabic,
and Persian. Neither the solicitations of M. de Caylus,
nor the hopes of preferment, could detain him at Amersfort longer than he thought he had learned all that was
to be learned there. He returned therefore to Paris,
where his constant attendance at the royal library, and
diligence in study, recommended him to the abbé Sallier,
keeper of the manuscripts, who made him known to his
friends, and furnished him with a moderate maintenance,
under the character of student of the Oriental languages.
The accidentally meeting with some manuscripts in the
Zend, the language in which the works attributed to Zoroaster are written, created in him an irresistible inclination to visit the East in search of them. At this time
an expedition for India was fitting out at port l'Orient,
and when he found that the applications of his friends were
not sufficient to procure him a passage, he entered as a
common soldier; and on Nov. 7, 1754, left Paris, with
his knapsack on his back. His friends no sooner heard of
this wild step, than they had recourse to the minister, who
surprized at so uncommon an instance of literary zeal,
ordered him to be provided with a free passage, a seat at
the captain’s table, and other accommodations. Accordingly, after a nine months voyage, he arrived Aug. 10,
1755, at Pondicherry. Remaining there such time as was
necessary to acquire a knowledge of the modern Persian,
he went to Chandernagor, where he hoped to learn the
Sanscrit; but sickness, which confined him for some
months, and the war which broke out between France and
England, and in which Chandernagor was taken, disappointed his plans. He now set out for Pondicherry by
land, and after incredible fatigue and hardships, performed
the journey of about four hundred leagues in about an
hundred days. At Pondicherry he found one of his brothers arrived from France, and sailed with him for Surat,
but, landing at Mahe, completed his journey on foot. At
Surat, by perseverance and address, he succeeded in
procuring and translating some manuscripts, particularly
the “Vendidade-Sade,
” a dictionary; and he was about
to have gone to Benares, to study the language, antiquities, and sacred laws of the Hindoos, when the capture of
Pondicherry obliged him to return to Europe. Accordingly,
he came in an English vessel to London, where he spent
some time, visited Oxford, and at length arrived at Paris
May 4, 1762, without fortune, or the wish to acquire it;
but rich in an hundred and eighty manuscripts and other
curiosities. The abbé Barthelemi, however, and his
other friends, procured him a pension, with the title and
place of Oriental interpreter in the royal library. In 1763,
the academy of belles-lettres elected him an associate,
and from that time he devoted himself to the arrangement
and publication of the valuable materials he had collected.
In 1771, he published his “Zend-Avesta,
” 3 vols. 4to
a work of Zoroaster, from the original Zend, with a curious account of his travels, and a life of Zoroaster. In
1778 he published his “Legislation Orientale,
” 4to, ii
which, by a display of the fundamental principles of government in the Turkish, Persian, and Indian dominions,
he proves, first, that the manner in which most writers
have hitherto represented despotism, as if it were absolute
in these three empires, is entirely groundless; secondly,
that in Turkey, Persia, and Indostan, there are codes of
written law, which affect the prince as well as the subject;
and thirdly, that in these three empires, the inhabitants
are possessed of property, both in movable and immovable
goods, which they enjoy with entire liberty. In 1786
appeared his “Recherches historiques et geographiques
sur ITnde,
” followed in L‘Inde au rapport avec l’Europe,
” 2 vols. 8vo. In 1804,
he published a Latin translation from the Persian of the
“Oupnek' hat, or Upanischada,
” i. e. “secrets which must
not be revealed,
” 2 vols. 4to. Not long before his death
he was elected a member of the institute, but soon after
gave in his resignation, and died at Paris, Jan. 17, 1805.
Besides the works already noticed, he contributed many
papers to the academy on the subject of Oriental languages
and antiquities, and left behind him the character of one
of the ablest Oriental scholars in France, and a man of
great personal worth and amiable manners. His biographer adds, that he refused the sum of 30,000 livres, which
was offered by the English, for his manuscript of the Zend-Avesta.
, a miscellaneous French writer, was born at Paris, July 18, 1744, and at first was in practice as
, a miscellaneous French
writer, was born at Paris, July 18, 1744, and at first was
in practice as a lawyer, but afterwards was taken into the
office of the comptroller general of finances, and became
successively receiver-general for Dauphiny, a member of
the central committee of receivers-general, a deputy of
the constituent assembly, and farmer of the post, which
last place he filled until his death, Nov. 20, 1810. During
the reign of terror, he was long concealed in the house of
one of the members of the Jacobin club, to whom he promised a pension for this service, which he afterwards paid
most punctually. He was considered as an able financier,
and a man of much taste in literature. He wrote, 1. “Anecdotes sur le famille de Le Fevre, de la branche d'Ormesson,
”
printed in the Journal Encyclopedique for Deux
memoires historiques sur les villes de Milly et de Nemours,
”
printed in the “Nouvelles recherches sur la France,” 1766,
2 vols. 12mo. 3. “Les deux seigneurs, ou l'Alchymiste,
”
a. comedy,
lettres, and of the society of antiquaries, London, and joint-geographer of the academy of sciences, was born at Paris on the 11th of July, 1697. His father’s name was
, first geographer to the king of France, member of the academy of inscriptions and belles lettres, and of the society of antiquaries, London, and joint-geographer of the academy of sciences, was born at Paris on the 11th of July, 1697. His father’s name was Hubert Bourignon, and his mother’s Charlotte Vaugon.
, a celebrated French musician, was born at Paris, July 4, 1694, where he died June 15, 1772. He
, a celebrated French musician, was born at Paris, July 4, 1694, where he died June 15, 1772. He was so remarkable for early genius, that at the age of six he performed on the harpsichord before Louis XIV; at eight years old the celebrated Bernier declared he could teach him nothing more; and at twelve he was made organist at the church of Petit St. Antoine. Sometime after, he obtained a triumph highly flattering to a person of his profession, by successfully contending for the place of organist at the church of St. Paul, against Rameau, who at that time wished to be established in Paris. Wonders are told of the powers of execution and taste which Aquino displayed, and it is said that Handel visited France on purpose to hear him. He is celebrated also for his simple and amiable manners, and his attachment to religion. Two only of his works have been engraved, the one a collection of pieces for the harpsichord, and the other some carrols with variations; but he left to his son a considerable number of manuscript performances.
, was born at Paris in 1634, and died a Carthusian monk, at Gaillon
, was
born at Paris in 1634, and died a Carthusian monk, at
Gaillon near Rouen, Jan. 23, 1704, at the age of seventy.
He did not entirely quit the world on becoming monk.
His talents and learning had procured him illustrious
friends, with whom he carried on a literary correspondence.
We have by him, 1. “Traite de la lecture des Peres de
l'Eglise.
” The best edition is of Melanges d'histoire et de literature,
” published under the
name of “Vigneul Marvilliana,
” reprinted in Menagiana,
” or indeed than any of the numerous “Anas,
” so
much at present in vogue. Bayle was fond of them, and
frequently quotes them in his Dictionary, and in his Letters,
1699, where he was the first who informs us of the real
name of the author. He published also under the assumed
name of Moncade, “L'Education, maximeset reflexions,
”
, a miscellaneous French writer, was born at Paris, Sept. 15, 1716, of a noble family originally
, a miscellaneous French writer, was born at Paris, Sept. 15, 1716, of a noble family originally from the comtat Venaissin. He had his education among the Jesuits at Paris, and discovered early symptoms of genius, having written some tolerable verses at the age of nine. He composed also in his youth three tragedies, none of which were acted; but one, on the subject of admiral Coligni’s murder on St. Bartholomew’s day, was printed in 1740. These works recommended him to Voltaire, who gave him advice and pecuniary assistance in his studies. Some of his early productions were also favourably noticed by Frederick, king of Prussia, who invited him to Berlin, and in some verses, called him his Ovid. This compliment, however, excited only the ridicule of the wits; and after residing about a year at Berlin, he went to Dresden, where he was appointed counsellor of legation. A wish to revisit his country, and an invitation from the nephew of marshal Saxe, determined him to return to Paris, where he lived many years, enjoying a large circle of acquaintance, from whom he retired by degrees to have leisure for the composition of his numerous works. During the reign of terror he was sent to prison, and on his liberation was exposed to great distresses from want of oecouomy, although not illiberally supplied by government, and by the profits of his works. He died Nov. 8, 1805. His writings, which are very numerous, consist of novels, poems, and plays, of which there are two editions, one in 24 vols. 12 mo, and one in 1-2 vols. 8vo, 1803, neither very complete, nor do his countrymen seem to consider this writer as likely to enjoy a permanent reputation.
, eldest son of Anthony Arnauld, and advocate-general to Catherine de Medicis, was born at Paris in 1550, or, according to some, in 1560, and in
, eldest son of Anthony Arnauld,
and advocate-general to Catherine de Medicis, was born at
Paris in 1550, or, according to some, in 1560, and in that
city he was educated, and took his degree of M. A. in 1573.
Some time after, he was admitted advocate of the parliament of Paris, in which capacity he acquired great reputation by his integrity and extraordinary eloquence. Henry
IV. had great esteem for Arnauld; and his majesty once
carried the duke of Savoy on purpose to hear him plead in,
parliament. He was appointed counsellor and attorneygeneral to queen Catherine of Medicis. Mr. Marion, afterwards advocate-general, was one day so pleased with hearing him, that he took him into his coach, carried him home
to dinner, and placed him next his eldest daughter, Catherine, and afterwards gave her to him in marriage. One
of the most famous causes which Arnauld pleaded, was that
of the university against the Jesuits, in 1594. There was
published about this time a little tract in French, entitled
“Franc et veritable discours,
” &c. or, A frank and true
discourse to the king, concerning the re-establishment of
the Jesuits, which they had requested of him. Some have
ascribed this to Arnauld, but others have positively denied him to be the author. Some have supposed that Arnauld was of the reformed religion; but Mr. Bayle has
fully proved this to be a mistake. His other works were,
1. “Anti-Espagnol,
” printed in a collection of discourses
on the present state of France, 1606, 12mo, and in the
“Memoires de la Ligue, vol. IV. p. 230. 2.
” La Fleur
de Lys,“1593, 8vo. 3.
” La Delivrance de la Bretagne.“4.
” La Premiere Savoisienne,“8vo. 1601, 1630. 5.
” Avis
au roi Louis XIII. pour bien regner,“1615, 8vo. 6. The
first and second
” Philippics" against Philip II. of Spain,
1592, 8vo. He died Dec. 29, 1619, leaving ten children
out of twenty-two, whom he had by his wife Catherine.
, eldest son of the preceding, was born at Paris in 1589. He was introduced at Court when very
, eldest son of the preceding, was born at Paris in 1589. He was introduced at
Court when very young, and employed in many considerable
offices, all which he discharged with great reputation and
integrity. No man was ever more esteemed amongst the
great, and none ever employed more generously the influence he had with them, in defence of truth and justice.
He quitted business, and retired to the convent of Port
Royal des Champs, at fifty-five years of age; where he
passed the remainder of his days in a continual application
to works of piety and devotion. He enriched the French
language with many excellent translations: he also wrote
poems on sacred and other subjects. Mr. Arnauld, during
his retirement at Port Koyal des Champs, after seven or
eight hours study every day, used to divert himself with
rural amusements, and particularly with cultivating his
trees, which he brought to such perfection, and had such
excellent fruit from them, that he used to send some of it
every year to queen Anne of Austria, which this princess
liked so well, that she always desired to be served with it
in the season. He died at Port Royal, Sept. 27, 1674, in
his 86th year. He married the daughter of the sieur le
Fevre de la Boderie, famous for his embassy to England,
and had by her three sons and five daughters. He wrote
a great many devotional works, of which there is a catalogue in Moreri, and in the Journal de Savans for Sept. 9,
1695. He also enriched the French language by some
translations of the “Confessions of St. Augustine,
” 8vo and
12 mo; a translation, rather elegant than faithful, of “Josephus,
” 5 vols. 8vo; “Lives of the Saints,
” 3 vols. 8vo;
the “Works of St. Theresa,
” Memoirs
of his own Life,
” 2 vols. 12mo, 1734.
, doctor of the Sorbonne, and brother of the preceding, was born at Paris the 6th of February 1612. He studied philosophy
, doctor of the Sorbonne, and
brother of the preceding, was born at Paris the 6th of
February 1612. He studied philosophy in the college of
Calvi, on the ruins of which the Sorbonne was built, and
began to study the law; but, at the persuasion of his mother and the abbot of St. Cyran, he resolved to apply
himself to divinity. He accordingly studied in the college
of the Sorbonne, under Mr. l‘Escot. This professor gave
lectures concerning grace; but Arnauld, not approving of
his sentiments upon this subject, read St. Augustin, whose
system of grace he greatly preferred to that of Mr. l’Escot:
and publicly testified his opinion in his thesis, when he
was examined in 1636, for his bachelor’s degree. After
he had spent two years more in study, which, according
to the laws of the faculty of Paris, must be between the
first examination and the license, he began the acts of his
license at Easter 1638, and continued them to Lent, 1640.
He maintained the act of vespers the 18th of December
1641, and the following day put on the doctor’s cap. He
had begun his license without being entered in form at the
Sorbonne, and was thereby rendered incapable of being
admitted, according to the ordinary rules. The society,
however, on account of his extraordinary merit, requested
of cardinal Richelieu, their provisor, that he might be admitted, though contrary to form; which was refused by
that cardinal, but, the year after his death, he obtained
this honour. In 1643, he published his treatise on Frequent Communion, which highly displeased the Jesuits.
They refuted it both from the pulpit and the press, representing it as containing a most pernicious doctrine: and
the disputes upon grace, which broke out at this time in
the university of Paris, helped to increase the animosity
between the Jesuits and Mr. Arnauld, who took part with
the Jansenists, and supported their tenets with great zeal.
But nothing raised so great a clamour against him, as the
two letters which he wrote upon absolution having been
refused by a priest to the duke of Liancour, a great friend
of the Port Royal. This duke educated his grand-daughter at Port Royal, and kept in his house the abbé de Bourzays. It happened in 1655, that the duke offered himself
for confession to a priest of St. Sulpice, who refused to
give him absolution, unless he would take his daughter
from Port Royal, and break off all commerce with that
society, and discard the abbé. Mr. Arnauld therefore was
prevailed upon to write a letter in defence of Liancour.
A great number of pamphlets were written against this
letter, and Mr. Arnauld thought himself obliged to
confute the falsities and calumnies with which they were
filled, by printing a second letter, which contains an
answer to nine of those pieces. But in this second letter
the faculty of divinity found two propositions which theycondemned, and Mr. Arnauld was excluded from that society. Upon this he retired, and it was during this retreat, which lasted near 25 years, that he composed that
variety of works which are extant of his, on grammar,
geometry, logic, metaphysics, and theology. He continued in this retired life till the controversy of the Jansenists was eaded; in 1668. Arnauld now came forth from,
his retreat, and was presented to the king, kindly received
by the pope’s nuncio, and by the public esteemed a father
of the church. From this time he resolved to enter the
lists only against the Calvinists, and he published his book
entitled “La perpetuite de la Foi,
” in which he was assisted by M. Nicole: and which gave rise to that grand
controversy between them and Claude the minister.
, brother of Robert and Anthony, was born at Paris in 1597. After the death of Gournay, bishop of
, brother of Robert and Anthony,
was born at Paris in 1597. After the death of Gournay,
bishop of Toul, the chapter of that city tin; mously
elected the abbé Arnauld, then dean of that cathedral, his
successor. The kinsr confirmed his nomination, at the entreaty of the famous capuchin, pere Joseph; but a dispute
about the right of election prevented him from accepting it. In 1645, he was sent on an extraordinary embassy from France to Rome, for quieting the disputes that
had arisen between the Barbarini and Innocent X. On
his return to France he was made bishop of Angers in
1649. He never quitted his diocese but once, and that
vas to give advice to the prince of Tarento, in order to a
reconciliation with the duke de la Tremouille his father.
The city of Angers having revolted in 1652, this prelate
appeased the queen-mother, who was advancing with an
army to take vengeance on it, by saying to her, as he administered the sacrament: “Take, madam, the body of
him who forgave his enemies, as he was dying on the
cross.
” This sentiment was as much in his heart as it was
on his lips. He was the father of the poor, and the comforter of the afflicted. His time was divided between
prayer, reading, and the duties of his episcopal function.
One of his intimates telling him that he ought to take one
day in the week for some recreation from fatigue, “Yes,
”
said he, “that I will do with all my heart, if you will
point me out one day in which I am not a bishop.
” He
died at Angers, June 8, 1692, at the age of 95. His negotiations at the court of Rome, and in various courts of
Italy, were published at Paris in 5 vols, 12 mo. a long
time after his death (in 1748). They are interspersed with,
a great number of curious anecdotes and interesting particulars related in the style peculiar to all the Arnaulds.
called the Ape of Scarron, was born at Paris in 1604, the son of an avocat of parleinent. At
called the Ape
of Scarron, was born at Paris in 1604, the son of an avocat of parleinent. At eight years old he ran away from his
father’s house, stopped at Calais, where he gave himself
out for the son of Csesar Nostradamus and having set up
for a quack, he succeeded in restoring to health a patient
who fancied himself sick. The people of Calais, thinking
that he derived his medical skill from magic, were upon
the point of throwing him into the sea, and it was with difficulty that he saved himself from their fury by flight.
After many more adventures at London, at Turin, and in
various other places, he came to Montpellier, where some
irregular amours drew upon him the notice of the magistrate.
He then strolled about from one country to another, and
at length arrived at Rome, where his satires upon the court
procured him to be imprisoned in the inquisition. Being
returned to France, he was sent to the Bastille and afterwards was conducted to the Chatelet for the same crime
for which he had been arrested at Montpellier. But, finding protectors, he was liberated at the end of six months.
He died in 1679. His poetry was collected into three vols.
12mo, 1678. Among these pieces is a part of the Metamorphoses of Ovid translated, under the title of “Ovid in
good humour.
” It is a burlesque version, in which, as in
all works of that nature, there are a thousand instances of
dullness, and a thousand ruore of indecency, for one lively
and ingenious turn of wit. We find also the rape of Proserpine, from Claudian, whom he makes harangue in the
manner of declaimers. Assouci published also his adventures in a style of buffoonery, 3 vols. 12 mo, 1678. Upon
the whole he appears to have been one of those writers
that may be passed over with very slight notice, a man,
with some talent for humour, but destitute of principle.
, a French poet, was born at Paris in 1697, educated for the church, and made a canon
, a French poet, was born at Paris in 1697, educated for the church, and made a canon of Rheims. He passed his iife, however, in Paris, keeping all sorts of company, good and bad, and rendering himself universally agreeable by his impromptus, his songs, and madrigals, some of which were of the satirical kind, and occasionally involved him in quarrels. Towards the close of his life, he renounced the world, and was made a convert to piety by the abbe Gautier, who was afterwards the confessor of Voltaire. The Parisian wits observed that such an attempt was worthy of Gautier, as he was chaplain to the hospital of incurables. The abbe Attaignant died at Paris Jan. 10, 1779. He published
hers have asserted that he was cousin-german to him only. It is, however, universally agreed that he was born at Paris in 1594. In his infancy he discovered much taste,
, is generally believed to
have been brother of the preceding Claude, but others
have asserted that he was cousin-german to him only. It
is, however, universally agreed that he was born at Paris
in 1594. In his infancy he discovered much taste, and
an apt disposition for the arts; and, to perfect himself
in engraving, of which he appears to have been chiefly
fond, he went to Rome, where he produced several prints
that did him great honour. What master he studied under
at Rome cannot easily be determined. The style he adopted
is very like that of Cornelius Bloemart, but still neater
Mr. Strutt thinks that the prints of Lucas Kilian and of the
Sadelers may have laid the first foundation on which he
built. On his return to his own country, he settled at
Paris, where he died in 1674, without having ever been
married. The abbé Marolles, who always speaks of this
artist with great praise, attributes one hundred and thirty
prints to him amongst which, the “Annunciation,
” from
Annibale Caracci, and the “Assumption,
” from Domenichino, are the most esteemed.
, a French statesman, was born at Paris in 1720. He was counsellor in the parliament of
, a French statesman, was born at Paris in 1720. He was counsellor in
the parliament of Paris, and so distinguished for talent
and probity, that he was appointed minister of state, and
comptroller of the finances, by Lewis XV. in 1763; but
was unfortunate in his administration, having formed some
injudicious plans respecting grain, which ended in increasing the wants they were intended to alleviate. He afterwards retired to Gambais, where he employed himself in
rural improvements, until the fatal period of the
revolution, when he was arrested, brought to Paris, and guillotined Oct. 1794, on an accusation of having monopolised
corn. He had been a member of the academy, and published, 1. “Code penal,
” De la pleine
souverainete du roi sur la province de Bretagne,
” Memoire sur le proces criminel de Robert d'Artois, pair de France,
” inserted in the account of the Mss.
of the national library. 4. “Experiences de Gambais sur
les bles noirs ou caries,
”
, a distinguished French critic, was born at Paris, Dec. 12, 1724, embraced the clerical profession,
, a distinguished French critic,
was born at Paris, Dec. 12, 1724, embraced the clerical
profession, and obtained the chair of the professor of belles
lettres in the college of Rouen. The bishop of Lescar No6
made him his grand vicar, and usually called him his grand
vicar in partibus Atheniensium, in allusion to his intimate
acquaintance with the Greek language, from which he had
made translations of the greater part of the orators, with
much purity. He was received into the academy of Inscriptions, where he was much esteemed for his learning
and personal virtues. He lived, it is said, among the great,
and told them truth, and to his opponents was remarkable
for canckmr and urbanity. In his private character he appears to have been distinguished for a love of letters, and
an independent and philosophic spirit which kept him from
soliciting patronage or preferment. He died Feb. 7, 1791.
His principal works were, “The Orations of Demosthenes
and Eschines on the crown,
” Rouen,. The
whole works of Demosthenes and Eschines,
” 6 vols. 8vo, 1777
and 1788. This is accompanied with remarks upon the genius and productions of these two great orators, with critical
notes on the Greek text, a preliminary discourse concerning
eloquence; a treatise on the jurisdiction and laws of Athens
and other pieces, relative to Grecian laws and literature,
which have great merit. His countrymen, however, do not
speak highly of his translations, as conveying the fire and
spirit of the original. They say he is exact and faithful,
but cold. In 1781 he published, in 3 vols. 8vo, “The
Works of Isocrates.
” This is thought preferable to the
former, yet still the French critics considered the translator as better acquainted with Greek than French the
truth perhaps is, that the French language is less capable
of receiving the fire and sublimity of the great orators than
those critics are willing to suspect. In 1783 he published
the “Works of Lysias,
” 8vo; in The homilies,
discourses, and letters ef S. John Chrysostom,
” 4 vols. 8vo;
in 1787, “Select orations of Cicero,
” in 3 vols. 8vo; in
1788, “Orations from Herodotus, Thucydides, and the
works of Xenophon,
” 2 vols. 8vo. In 1789, he published
“Projet d' Education Publique
” at least such is the title
of the work, but we suspect it to be a re-publication of some
“Discourses on Education, delivered in the Royal college
at Rouen, to which are subjoined, Reflections upon Friendship,
” which appeared first in 1792, 8vo. To his
works also may be added an edition of
” Isocrates, in Gr.
and Lat." 3 vols. 8vo, and 4to, a very beautiful book. As
an editor and critic, he discovers, in all his editions, much
taste and judgment; but perhaps his countrymen do him
no injury in supposing that the latter in general predomU
nated.
, a French Franciscan of the order called* Minimes, was born at Paris Jan. 1, 1652, and was educated in the Jesuits’
, a French Franciscan of the order called* Minimes, was born at Paris Jan. 1,
1652, and was educated in the Jesuits’ college. In the
course of his studies, and after taking orders, he acquired
very high reputation for learning, and particularly for his
eloquence and zeal as a preacher and devotional writer.
He died at Paris, May 16, 1729. Moreri has given a long
list of his religious treatises, all of which were frequently
reprinted, and admired in France, when religion was more
prevalent than now. He also wrote a work on Algebra, but
committed it to the flames sometime before his death, and
it was with much difficulty he was persuaded to publish his
“Genealogie de la maison de Fontaine- Soliers, issue dela
Case Solare, souveraine d'Aste en Piemont,
”
rs to have had his full share in the annals of biography, was the son of a merchant of Issondun, and was born at Paris in 1652. He entered first into the company of
, an eminent French player, who appears to have had his full share in the annals of biography, was the son of a merchant of Issondun, and was born at Paris in 1652. He entered first into the company of la Raisin, and some time afterwards in that of Moliere, and quitted the stage in 1696, either from dislike or from some religious scruples, with a pension of a thousand crowns granted him by the king. He took up the profession again, however, in 1720, at the age of 68; and was as much applauded, notwithstanding his advanced age, as in the early period of his life. At those lines of Cinna,
, was born at Paris in 1606 and after having gone through a course
, was born at Paris in 1606 and
after having gone through a course of study, and taken
the degree of licentiate in medicine, he entered into the
order of Dominicans in 1635. His talents and his prudence
were so conspicuous, that in 1646 he was elected assistant
to the general, with whom he made the tour of France,
Spain, and Italy. Amidst the avocations of this post, and
without neglecting his duties, he found the means of applying himself to the study of botany, to which he seemed
to have a natural propensity. He collected a great number of plants and shells, and made drawings of several that
had not been known, or but very imperfectly described.
He had undertaken a general history of plants, which he
intended to entitle “Hortus Mundi,
” or “Orbis Botanicus,
” and was employed on it with the utmost diligence,
when an asthma put an end to his labours in 1673, at the
age of sixty-seven. All that could be collected of this
“work was published by Ant. de Jussieu, with a life of the
author, under the title
” Plantæ per Galliam, Hispaimim,
et Italiani observatæ, et iconibus reneis exhibitce," Paris,
1714, folio, a valuable contribution to a botanical library,
but by no means correct.
de Dairval, an eminent French antiquary, was born at Paris, Nov. 29, 1648. He studied partly at Beauvais,
de Dairval, an eminent French antiquary, was born at Paris, Nov. 29, 1648.
He studied partly at Beauvais, under his uncle Halle, an
eminent doctor of the Sorbonne, and director of that school,
and afterwards at Paris under Danet, author of the dictionaries which bear his name. His inclination was for
medicine as a profession, but family reasons decided in
favour of the law, in which he became an advocate of parliame,nr, and a distinguished pleader. Happening to be
pbligedto go to Dijon about a cause in which his mother
was concerned, he amused his leisure hours in visiting the
libraries and museums with which Dijon at that time
abounded. He pleaded that cause, however, so ably, that
the marquis de la Meilleraye was induced to intrust him
with another of great importance which had brought him
to Dijon, and our young advocate, now metamorphosed
into an antiquary, laid out the fee he received from his
noble client, in the purchase of a cabinet of books, medals,
&c. then on sale at Dijon. With this he returned to Paris,
but no more to the bar, his whole attention being absorbed
in researches on the remains of antiquity. The notions
he had formed on this subject appeared soon in his principal work on the utility of travelling, and the advantages
which the learned derive from the study of antiquities.-It
was entitled “Dd'ntilite des Voyages,
” 2 vols. ie>86, 12mo,
often reprinted, and the edition of Rouen in 1727 is said
to be the best, although, according-to Niceron, not the
most correct. The reputation of this work brought him
acquainted with the most eminent antiquaries of England,
Holland, and Germany, and, when he least expected such
an honour, he was admitted an associate of the academy
of the Ricovrati of Padua, and was generally consulted on
all subjects of antiquity which happened to be the object
of public curiosity. In 1698 he printed a dissertation on
Ptolomy Auletes, whose head he discovered on an ancient
amethyst hitherto undescribed, in the cabinet of the duchess
of Orleans, who rewarded him by the appointment of keeper
of her cabinet of medals. In 1700, he wrote a letter to
Mr. Lister of the royal society of London, describing an
enormous stone found in the body of a horse. He afterwards published separately, or in the literary journals,
various memoirs on antique medals, and in 1705 he was
chosen a member of the academy of inscriptions and belles
lettres. This honour inspirited his labours, and he became
a frequent contributor to the memoirs of the academy.
His last piece is entitled “Dissertation sur le guerre des
Atheniens centre les. penples de Pisle Atlantique.
” His
health now began to decline, although for some time it was
not discovered that his disorder was a dropsy of the chest,
which proved fatal June 27, 1722. His character is represented by all his biographers as being truly amiable. He
bequeathed to the academy, what he valued most, his books,
medals, bronzes, and antique marbles. Two of the latter
of great value, which were brought from Constantinople
by M. Nointal, and are supposed to be more than two thousand years old, contain the names of the Athenian captains
and soldiers who were killed, in one year, in different expeditions. These afterwards became the property of M.
Thevenot, the king’s librarian, who placed them at his
country-house at Issy. Thevenot’s heirs, who had little
taste for antiquities, were about to have sold them to a
stone-cutter for common purposes, when Baudelot heard of
the transaction, anil immediately went in pursuit of the
treasure. Having purchased them, he had them placed in
a carriage of which he never lost sight until they were deposited in a house which he then occupied in the faubourg
of St. Marceau, and when he removed to that of St. Germain, he conveyed them thither with the same care, and
placed them in a small court. Here, however, they were
not quite safe. A considerable part of the house happened
to be occupied by a young lady who had no taste for antiquities, and soon discovered that these marbles were an
incumbrance. In order to make Baudelot remove them,
she pretended to hire the dustmen to take them away.
Baudelot, returning home at night, was told of this project,
and although it was then late, would not go to sleep until
he had seen them deposited in his apartment. They are
now in the museum of antiquities in the Louvre.
, a celebrated French geographer, was born at Paris the 28th of July, 1633. His father, Stephen Baudrand,
, a celebrated French geographer, was born at Paris the 28th of July, 1633. His father, Stephen Baudrand, was first deputy of the procurator-general of the court of aids, treasurer of France for Montauban, and master of the requests of his royal highness Gaston of France, and his mother’s name was Frances Caule. He began his studies in the year 1640. His inclination for geography was first noticed when he studied at the Jesuits college of Clermont under father Briet, who was famous for his geography, which was then printing, the proof sheets of which were corrected by our author. After he had finished his course of philosophy at the college of Lisieux under Mr. Desperier, cardinal Antonio Barberini took him as his secretary at Rome, and he was present with his eminence at the conclave, in which pope Alexander VII. was elected; and afterwards at thaHn which Clement IX. was chosen pope. Upon his return to France, he applied himself to the revisal of Ferrarius’s Geographical Dictionary, which he enlarged by one half, and published at Paris, 1671, fol. In the same year he attended the marquis of Dangeau, who was employed by the king in the management of his affairs in Germany, and also went to England with the duchess of York, who was afterwards queen of England. His travels were of great advantage to linn in furnishing him with a variety of observations in geography. He returned to France in 1677, and composed his geographical dictionary in Latin. In 1691 he attended the cardinal of Camus, who was bishop of Grenoble, to Rome, and went with him into the conclave on the 27th of March, where he continued three months ancha half, till the election of pope Innocent XII. on July 12th, the same year. Upon his return to Paris he applied himself to the completing of his French geographical dictionary, but he was prevented from publishing it by his death, which happened at Paris the 29th of May 1700. He had been prior of Rouvres and Neuf-Marche. He left all his books and papers to the Benedictine monks of the abbey of St. Germain des Prez.
, a learned French Jesuit, was born at Paris, April 15, 1649, and entered the society in 1665.
, a learned French Jesuit, was
born at Paris, April 15, 1649, and entered the society in
1665. He had taught grammar and the classics in the
Jesuits college of Paris, for five years, and had completed
his theological studies, when about the end of 1677 he
was appointed tutor to the duke of Bourbon, and obliged
to return to his studies again for five years, after which he
was appointed professor of rhetoric, and filled that office
for the same number of years. As soon as he found leisure
from these engagements, he began to collect the works
of father Sirmond, which he published in 1696, in 5
vols. fol. at Paris, and which were afterwards reprinted at
Venice, in 1729. He also intended to have collected the
works of the celebrated Petau, but the weakness of his
sight began now to interrupt his literary labours, and he
was at the same time ordered to Rouen as rector of the
college. Three years after he returned to Paris, whence
he went to Rome, to be present at the general assembly
of the society. The rest of his life he passed partly at
Rouen, and partly at Paris, where he died Oct. 21, 1725.
Besides the edition of the works of Sirmond, we owe to
his labours, 1. “Symbola Heroica,
” Paris, Infunere Gabrielis Cossartii carmen,
” Paris, Panegyrici veteres, ad usum Delphmi,
” ibid. Ludus poeticus in recentem
cometam,
” Paris, Ludovico duci Borbonio, Oratio,
” ibid. Ferdinando de
Furstenberg, pro fundata missione Sinensi, gratiarum
actio,
” ibid. In obitum ejusdem, carmen,
” Ludovico magno liberalium artium parenti et patrono, panegyricus,
” ibid. Augustiss. Galliarum senatui panegyricus,
” ibid. Laudatio funebris Ludovici Borbonii principis
Condaei,
” ibid. Coliegii Parisiensis societ. Jesu, festi plausus ad nuptias Ludovici Galliarum
Delphini, et Marise-Annre-Christianre-Victoriae Bavarse,
”
ibid.
secretary to the duke of Orleans, perpetual secretary and pensionary of the academy of inscriptions, was born at Paris, Oct. 19, 1701 (Saxius says 1709), and died in
, first professor of rhetoric in the
college of the Grassins, and afterwards professor in the
college-royal, secretary to the duke of Orleans, perpetual
secretary and pensionary of the academy of inscriptions,
was born at Paris, Oct. 19, 1701 (Saxius says 1709), and
died in that city, March 13, 1778. He was married, and
left only one daughter. This honest and laborious academician, the rival of Rollin in the art of teaching, idolized
by his scholars, as that famous professor was, had perhaps
a more extensive fund of learning, and particularly in
Greek and Latin literature. His history of the Lower Empire, in 22 vols. 12mo, 1757, forming a continuation of
Crevier’s History of the Emperors, is the more esteemed,
as in the composition of it he had many difficulties to overcome, in reconciling contradictory writers, rilling up
chasms, and forming a regular body out of a heap of
mishapen ruins. It is strongly characterized by a judicious
series of criticism, couched in a polished and elegant style.
The logician sometimes appears too conspicuously; but
in general it is read with pleasure and profit. The first
volume of an English translation of this work was published
in 1770, but, we believe, not continued. The memoirs
of the academy of belles lettres are enriched with several
learned dissertations by the same author, particularly on
medals, on the Roman legion, on the Roman art of war,
and thirty-four biographical eloges, distinguished for truth
and impartiality. The religious sentiments, the sound
principles, the sweetness of manners, and the inviolable
integrity of M. le Beau, which inspired his friends and disciples with so much attachment to him when alive, occasioned them to feel a long and lasting regret at his departure. Several little anecdotes might here be related that
do honour to his heart. A place in the academy of bt-iles
lettres had been designed for him. Bougainville, the
translator of the Anti-Lucretius, who applied for it, with
fewer pretensions, and a less consummate knowledge,
dreaded such a formidable competitor as M. le Beau, to
whom, however, from his known character, he was not
deterred from making his wishes known. The professor
felt for his embarrassment, and hastened to the friends who
had promised him their votes, desiring they might be
transferred to the young student. “It is one of the
smallest sacrifices,
” said he, “1 should be ready to make
in order to oblige a man of merit.' 1 M. le Beau was received at the election following; and M. Capperonier,
surprised at his extensive erudition, and affected by his
generosity, exclaimed,
” He is our master in all things!“On another occasion, when highly praised for his acquisitions, he said,
” I know enough to be ashamed that I knowno more." Thierrat published Le Beau’s Latin works,
Paris, 1782, 2 vols. 8vo, consisting of orations, poetry, ancj
fables; -the last inferior to his other productions.
ve, professor of rhetoric in the college of the Grassins, and member of the academy of inscriptions, was born at Paris, March 8, 1721, and died March J2, 1766. He filled
, younger brother to the above,
professor of rhetoric in the college of the Grassins, and
member of the academy of inscriptions, was born at Paris,
March 8, 1721, and died March J2, 1766. He filled
with distinguished merit the functions of academician and
professor. He is author of a discourse in which, after having shewn the pernicious effects of poverty to men of letters, and what dangers they have to dread from riches, he
concludes, that the state of a happy mediocrity is the fittest
for them. He published an edition of “Homer,
” Greek
and Latin, 2 vols. 1746; and the “Orations of Cicero,
”
in 3 vols. 1750. To both he has subjoined copious annotations, and wrote several papers in the Memoirs of the
academy.
, a French miscellaneous writer, was born at Paris in 1689, and died in that metropolis in 1761.
, a
French miscellaneous writer, was born at Paris in 1689,
and died in that metropolis in 1761. He wrote, 1. “The
Loves of Ismene & Isménias,
” The
loves of Rhodantes & Docicles,
” another Greek romance
by Theodorus Prodromus, translated into French, 1746,
12mo. 3. “Recherches sur les Theatres de France,
”
Lettres d‘Heloise & d’Abailard,
” in French
verse, fluent enough, but prosaic, Several theatrical performances.
” 6. The romance of “FuDestine,
”
, a French dramatic writer of modern celebrity, was born at Paris, Jan. 24, 1732. His father was a watchmaker, and
, a French dramatic writer of modern celebrity, was born at Paris, Jan. 24, 1732. His father was a watchmaker, and at the age of twenty-one himself invented an improvement in watchmaking, which being contested by an eminent artist, was decided in favour of young Beaumarchais by the academy of sciences. Being passionately fond of music, and especially of the harp, he introduced some improvements in this instrument, which, with his excellent performance, gained him admittance to Mesdames, the daughters of Louis XV. to give them lessons, and this was the origin of his fortune. He lost two wives successively, and then gained three considerable law-suits. The papers which he published concerning each of these causes, excited great attention. He had also an affair of honour with a duke, in consequence of which he was sent to Fort L‘Eve’que. He was afterwards employed in some political transactions by the ministers Maurepas and Vergennes. He supported the scheme for the caisse d'escompte, or bank of discount, which he vainly thought to have made a rival to that of England: but he was more successful, although after much opposition, in procuring the adoption of a scheme for a fire-pump to supply the city of Paris with water. A plan, also, concerning poor women, was executed at Lyons, and gained him the thanks of the merchants of that city. After the death of Voltaire, he purchased the whole of his manuscripts, and not being able to print them in France, established a press at Kell, where they were printed in a very magnificent manner with Baskerville’s types.
, geographical engineer of the marine, and member of the royal society of London, was born at Paris in 1703, and died the 21st of March 1772. He had
, geographical engineer of the marine, and member of the royal society of London, was born
at Paris in 1703, and died the 21st of March 1772. He
had a singular knowledge in his art, which he employed
with great industry. He published, under the title of “< Hy-f
drpgraphie Frangoise,
” a series of marine charts, to the
number of -fourscore. 2. “Essais geographiques sur les
isles Britanniques,
” Essais sur le Guyane,
” Le petit Atlas Maritime,
” 4 vols.
4to. 5. “Le Neptune Frangais,
”
to the duchess of Burgundy, dauphiness of France, was a French poet and wit of considerable fame. He was born at Paris in 1645. The most esteemed of his poems are *'
, valet-de-chambre to Louis XIV,
and trainbearer to the queen Maria Teresa, and afterwards
to the duchess of Burgundy, dauphiness of France, was a
French poet and wit of considerable fame. He was born
at Paris in 1645. The most esteemed of his poems are
*' Les Petits-maitres,“and
” Les Nouvellistes,“two satires, and his poem on the
” Hotel des invalides." Several other of his pieces are to be found in the collections,
particularly in that published at the Hague in 1715, 2 vols.
He lived in friendship with Moliere and Racine, but incurred the displeasure of Boileau by writing against his Satire
on Women, which Boileau revenged by giving him a place,
not of the most honourable kind, in his tenth epistle; but
Bellocq having apologised, Boileau erased his name, and
put in that of Pen-in. Bellocq died Oct. 4, 1704. He was
highly respected by his royal master, and his wit and
agreeable manners introduced him as a welcome guest in
every polite company.
, a French surgeon, was born at Paris in 1654, and after studying medicine and surgery,
, a French surgeon, was born at Paris in 1654, and after studying medicine and surgery, became surgeon-major to the French
army in Italy, and afterwards first surgeon to the duchess
dowager of Savoy. His practice was extensive and successful, and he had also cultivated polite literature with
considerable enthusiasm. He is now, however, principally
known by a work, which was long very popular, under the
title of“Le Chirurgien de l'hospital,
” Paris, Hospital Surgeon.
”
onne, formerly professor of eloquence, and afterwards grand master of the college of Louis-le-Grand, was born at Paris in 1720. He was deputy from the clergy of Paris,
, a doctor
of the Sorbonne, formerly professor of eloquence, and
afterwards grand master of the college of Louis-le-Grand,
was born at Paris in 1720. He was deputy from the clergy
of Paris, in the constituent assembly, and died at Paris in
1794. He had acquired great reputation in the university,
and was not less respected in the above assembly, where he
signed the famous protest of Sept. 12, 1791. CamilleDesmoulins, who had been his pupil, celebrated him in his
verses entitled “Mes adieux an college
” and from a singular caprice, this revolutionist chose to receive the nuptial benediction from Berardier, although one of the nonjuring priests, and of totally opposite principles. St. Just
and Robespierre were the witnesses on this occasion and
such was the regard Camille-Desmoulins had for him, that
he protected him from the massacres of the 2d of September 1792. Berardier wrote, 1. “Precis de l'Histoire universelle,
” a very excellent introduction to the study of history, which has gone through several editions. 2. “Essai
sur le recit,
” Anti-Lucrece en
vers Francais,
” Principes de la
foi sur le gouvernment de l‘Eglise, en opposition a la constitution civile du clerge, ou refutation de l’opinion de M.
Camus,
” 8vo. Of this fourteen editions were printed within six months, and it has likewise been published under the
title of “Vrais Principes de la Constitution du Clerge.
”
, king’s counsellor, and historiographer of France, was born at Paris Dec. 25, 1571, and died in 1640. The chief part
, king’s counsellor, and historiographer of France, was born at Paris Dec. 25, 1571,
and died in 1640. The chief part of his labours were directed to the history of France; on which he wrote, l.“La
Conjunction des mers,
” on the junction of the ocean with
the Mediterranean by the Burgundy canal, 1613, 4to. 2.
“Discours surl'etatdes Finances,
” Paris, Histoire des guerres de Louis XIII. centre les religionnaires rebelles,
” ibid. 1633, fol. Of this only abont three
dozen copies were printed, but the whole was afterwards
inserted in his history of Louis XIII. 4. “Carte genealogique de la royale maison de Bourbon, avec des Eloges
des princes, &c.
” ibid. Genealogie de la maison de Bourbon.
” 5. “Histoire
de Louis XIII. jusqu‘a la guerre declaree contre les Espagnols, avec un Discours sur la vie de l’auteur,
” ibid.'
1646, fol. This account of the life of the author was written by Charles Sorel, his nephew, who also continued the
work down to 1643. The abbé de Gendre says that Bernard is deficient both in style and taste, dealing too much
in trifles and digressions, and too prolix in his descriptions of works of architecture, as well as in common-place
reflections. He allows, however, that he gives a good account of military affairs, and developes with great skill the
intrigues of the court, with which he had a good opportunity of being acquainted.
, son to the preceding, was born at Paris, April 28, 1558, and educated in the principles
, son to the preceding, was born at Paris, April 28, 1558, and educated
in the principles of the reformed religion, but after his
father’s death, returned to those of the church of Rome,
and became an ecclesiastic, having in 1593 obtained a
canonry of St. Gatien of Tours. From his youth he applied with enthusiasm to scientific pursuits, and was
scarcely twenty years old when he published in Latin and
French, Besson’s “Theatre of mathematical and mechanical instruments,
” with explanations. At that time, if he
may be credited, he had made many discoveries in mathematics, was an expert watchmaker and goldsmith, and his
knowledge of the classics would have recommended him to
the place of tutor to the son of a person of rank: but he
was extremely vain, and perpetually flattering himself that
he possessed invaluable secrets, and had discovered the
philosopher’s stone, perpetual motion, and the quadrature
of the circle. His works certainly show that he had accumulated a considerable stock of various knowledge, but he
was very deficient in judgment His style is diffuse, and
so perplexed even in his poems, that his works have had
but few readers, and are in request only by the collectors
of curiosities. The greater part of these were collected
and published under the title of “Apprehensions spirituelles,
” Paris, Histoire
veritable, ou Le Voyage des Princes fortunes,
” Paris, Le Cabinet de Minerve, &c.
” Rouen, Moyen de parvenir,
” printed under the title of “Salrnigondis,
” and that of “Coup-cu de la Melancholic,
” a
collection of licentious tales, in much request with a certain description of collectors. Beroaide’s death is conjectured to have happened in 1612.
, painter, and disciple of Jouvenet and de Boullogne the elder, was born at Paris in 1664. His father was a sculptor. The academy
, painter, and disciple of Jouvenet and de Boullogne the elder, was born at Paris in 1664. His father was a sculptor. The academy of painting decreed him the first prize at the age of eighteen, and admitted him afterwards of their number. During his stay at Rome he completed his studies. At his return to France he was appointed director of the Roman school but an affair of gallantry, which rendered it unsafe for him to return to Rome, prevented him from accepting that place. Louis XIV. and the electors of Mentz and of Bavaria employed him successively in various works. The last was desirous of attaching him to himself by handsome pensions but Berlin would never consent to quit his country. He died at Paris in 1736. His manner was vigorous and graceful; but his excellence lay chiefly in small pictures. At Paris there are several works of his in the church of St. Luke, the abbey of St. Germain des pres, and in the halls of the academy.
, a doctor of the Sorbonne, was born at Paris in 1636, of an old family of booksellers, and
, a doctor of the Sorbonne, was
born at Paris in 1636, of an old family of booksellers, and
after prosecuting his studies witli great success, became
professor of philosophy in the college of Plessis, and assistant to the principal. His particular talent for the religious instruction of his pupils occasioned his being frequently invited to other colleges of the capital for his advice and assistance but his opposition to the famous bull
Unigenitus, gave so much offence to the higher powers
that he was expelled the college of Plessis, deprived of the
privileges of his doctorate, and at last banished the kingdom. This sentence, however, being taken off after a
year, he returned to his friends, and employed himself in
writing the following works, 1. “Concorde des livres de
la Sagesse, on Morale du St. Esprit,
” Concorde des Epitres canoniques, ou Morale des
Apotres,
” Principes de la perfection
Chretienne et religieuse,
” Histoire de l'abbaye de Port-royal,
” Reflexions theologiques sur le premier vol.'
des lettres de Pabbe de Villefroi a ses eleves, &c.
” Principes
de la Penitence et de la Justice,
”
, a French poet, was born at Paris in 1610, and at the age of fourteen had written
, a French poet, was born at Paris in
1610, and at the age of fourteen had written a number of
poetical pieces, both in French and Latin, which were
extravagantly praised by Scarron and Colletet, but are
now in request only by the collectors of curiosities. He
applied himself very little to study, passing the principal
part of his time in the pleasures of convivial society, which,
however, did not hinder him from meddling with public
affairs, for which he was thrown into the Bastille, as the
author of the “Miliade,
” a satire against cardinal Richelieu. Having proved his innocence, he was set at liberty,
and resumed his loose life, which impaired his health, and
deprived him of sight, in which condition he died Sept. 26,
1659. He wrote some dramas, and his poetical works
were printed at Paris, 1631, 8vo.
, a French writer, was born at Paris Aug. 24, 1589. His father took the care of his
, a French writer, was born at Paris
Aug. 24, 1589. His father took the care of his education
upon himself, and taught him the languages, philosophy,
mathematics, civil law, and divinity. Jerome acquired so
much knowledge in a very short time, that at ten years
of age he published his description of the Holy Land,
entitled “Chorographie, ou Description de la TerreSainte,
” Paris, Discours de la ville de Rome, principales
antiquitez & singularitez d'icelle,
” Traite sommaire de Pelection des papes,
” De l‘excellence des rois & du royaume
de France, traitant de la preseance& des prerogatives des rois
des France par dessus tous les antres, & de causes d’icelles.
”
This book was written in order to confute what Diego
Valdes, counsellor of the royal chamber of Granada, had
published in favour of the precedency of the kings of Spain,
under the title of “De dignitate re gum Hispania?,
” Granada,
, an eminent painter, called the French Titian, was born at Paris in 1600. He learned the rudiments of his profession
, an eminent painter, called the French Titian, was born at Paris in 1600. He learned the rudiments of his profession under his uncle Nicholas Bellori, but left him at twen'y years of age with an intention to travel to Italy. He stopped at Lyons in his way thither, where he staid for son e time; and during his residence here reaped both profit and amusement. He passed onto Rome, where he continued about two years. From thence he went to Venice, where he was so much pleased with the works of Titian, Tintoret, and Paul Veronese, that he resolved to follow their manner; and in this he succeeded so far, that at his return to Paris he soon got into high employment being generally esteemed for the novelty, beauty, and force of his pencil. He painted two galleries at Paris, one belonging to the first president, Perrault, and the other to monsieur de Bullion, superintendant of the finances. But his capital pieces are those in the church of Notre Dame, St. Andrew kneeling before the cross, and the Holy Ghost descending. Blanchard was in a likely way of making his fortune; but a fever and an imposthume in the lungs carried him off in his thirty-eighth year. Of all the French painters Blanchard was esteemed the best colourist, having studied this branch with great care in the Venetian school. There are few grand compositions of his; but what he has left of this kind shew him to have had great genius. He was mostly taken up with Madonnas, half-lengths, which prevented his employing himself in subjects of greater extent.
, who was born at Paris in 1671, and died at Evreux, July 23, 1740, possessed
, who was born at Paris in 1671,
and died at Evreux, July 23, 1740, possessed a most extensive knowledge of books of every kind, but particularly
what related to liturgies, monastic rules, and other branches
of ecclesiastical history, which he communicated liberally to
the literati of his time. For seventeen years he was corrector of Desprez’s press, and published there, in 1772,
“Vie de Saints,
” fol. which have gone through several
editions. At the end of this volume are subjoined the lives
of various other persons eminent for their piety. His own
works were chiefly of the religious cast, but he was frequently employed as editor of the works of others, which
he illustrated with notes.
u, register of the great chamber, and Ann de Nielle, his second wife; but it is uncertain whether he was born at Paris or Crone. In his early years, he was the reverse
, an eminent French
poet, usually called by his countrymen Despreaux, was
born on November 1, 1636. His parents were Gilles
Boileau, register of the great chamber, and Ann de Nielle,
his second wife; but it is uncertain whether he was born
at Paris or Crone. In his early years, he was the reverse
of those infantine prodigies who often in mature age scarcely
attain to mediocrity; on the contrary, he was heavy and
taciturn; nor was his taciturnity of that observing kind
which denotes sly mischief at the bottom, but the downright barren taciturnity of insipid good-nature. His father,
on comparing him with his other children, used to say,
“as for this, he is a good-tempered fellow, who will never
speak ill of any one.
” In his infancy, however, he ap“pears to have been of a very tender constitution, and is
said to have undergone the operation for the stone at the
age of eight. Through compliance with the wishes of his
family, he commenced with being a counsellor; but the
tlryness of the Code and Digest soon disgusted him with
this profession, which, his eulogist thinks, was a loss to
the bar. When M. Dongois, his brother-in-law, register
of parliament, took him to his house in order to form him
to the style of business, he had a decree to draw up in an
important cause, which he composed with enthusiasm,
while he dictated it to Boileau with an emphasis which
shewed how much he was satisfied with the sublimity of
his work; but when he had finished, he perceived that
Boileau was fallen asleep, after having written but few
words. Transported with anger, he sent him back to his
father, assuring him he
” would be nothing but a blockhead all the rest of his life." After this he began to study
scholastic divinity, which was still less suited to his taste,
and at length he became what he himself wished to be a
Poet; and, as if to belie, at setting out, his father’s prediction, he commenced at the age of thirty, with satire,
which let loose against him the crowd of writers whom he
, a lady who was born at Paris in 1718, and died in the same city April 18, 1768,
, a lady who was born at Paris in 1718, and died in the same city April 18, 1768, had received from nature a good understanding and an excellent taste, which were cultivated by a suitable education. She possessed the foreign languages, and was mistress of all the delicate turns of her own. It is to her that the French are indebted for a translation, said to be accurate and elegant, of Thomson’s Seasons, 1759, 12mo. Madame Bontems had a select society that frequented her house, and though she had a great talent for wit, she only made use of it for displaying that of others. She was not less esteemed for the qualities of her heart than those of her mind.
, a French historical and miscellaneous writer of considerable fame, was born at Paris in 1734, of an opulent family, and devoted himself
, a French historical and
miscellaneous writer of considerable fame, was born at Paris in 1734, of an opulent family, and devoted himself in
his youth to high life and the fine arts. From being first
valet de chambre to Louis XV. he became his favourite >
and on the death of that monarch, he obtained the place of
farmer-general, the duties of which unpopular office he
performed with great assiduity, employing his leisure hours
in cultivating music and general literature. He became one
of the most celebrated composers of songs, and his “Recueil d'airs,
” 4 vols. 8vo, ornamented with fine engravings,
is in high esteem. He composed also the music of the
opera of “Adela de Ponthieu,
” which was performed with
considerable success. Happening to read in De Bure, that
there had been only thirty copies published of the Collection of antient paintings of Rome, coloured after Bartoli’s
designs, he made inquiry for the coppers, had them repaired, and published a second edition of that work. His
other works are: 1.“Essais sur la Musique ancienne et moderne,
” Essai sur l‘histoire chronologique de plus de quatrevingts peuples de l’antiquité,
” Memoires
historiques, de Coucy,
” 2 vols. 8vo. 4. “Pieces interessantes pour servir a l'histoire des regnes de Louis XIII. et
de Louis XIV.
” 12mo. 5. “Lettres sur la Suisse,
” Abregè chronologique des principaux
faits arrives depuis Henoch jusqu'a. Jesus Christ,
” Recueil de vers dedies à Adelaide par le plus heureux
des epoux,
” 16 mo, a tribute to conjugal happiness, so seldom celebrated by poets. La Borde also published a translation of Swinburne’s Travels; a fine edition of the Historical Romances of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries,
printed by Didot, in 11 vols, 12mo.; “Tableaux
topographiques et pittoresques de la Suisse,
” with letter-press and
beautiful engravings by Robert: and lastly, in 1792,
“L'Histoire abregée de la mer du Sud,
” 3 vols. 8vo, containing an analysis of all the voyages to that sea from the
time of Goneville, in the fifteenth century, to that of our
countryman, Capt. Riou, in 1789. In this also he urges the
Spaniards to widen the passage of Nicaragua, which is only
three leagues, and make it navigable, and a communication
between the North and South Seas, pointing out the advantages this would be attended with in voyages from Europe to China. During the Convention, la Borde retired
to Rouen where he hoped to be overlooked, but the spies
of the reigning tyrants discovered him, and conducted him
to Paris, where he was beheaded July 22, 1791. His wife
was the authoress of some “Poems
” imitated fnjm the English, and printed by Didot in 1785, 18mo.
teran associate of the academy of sciences of Paris, and member of the imperial academy of Florence, was born at Paris April 10, 1728. His father, who was also a surgeon,
, regius professor and director of the academy of surgery, veteran associate of the
academy of sciences of Paris, and member of the imperial
academy of Florence, was born at Paris April 10, 1728.
His father, who was also a surgeon, destined him for the
same profession, which had long been followed by the
branches of his family, but began with giving him the ordinary course of a learned education that he might acquire
the languages in which the most celebrated anatomists of
former ages wrote, and some of those principles of philosophy which are the foundation of all sciences and arts.
Young Bordenave’s proficiency fully answered his father’s
expectations, and he soon fdled the distinguished situations
already mentioned, and contributed many valuable papers
to the Memoirs of the academy of surgery, on extraordinary
cases which occurred in his practice: the treatment of gunshot wounds, and anatomical subjects. He also in 1757
made some experiments to illustrate Haller’s opinion on the
difference between sensible or irritable parts, and wrote a
work in defence of that celebrated anatomist’s opinion on
the formation of the bones, against that of Duhamel. He
also, in 1768, translated Haller’s Elements of Physiology
for the use of his students, but he had previously, in 1756,
published a new work on the same subject, admired for
precision of method. Bordenave had long wished for a
place in the academy of sciences, and in 1774 was elected
a veteran associate. This title, it seems, indicates that the
party has been chosen contrary to the statutes, and that the
academy did not choose him of their own will; but for this he
was not to blame, as such an election was totally contrary to
his wish. In a short time, however, the academicians were
reconciled, and Bordenave enriched their memoirs with
some important papers. Bordenave also became echevin,
or sheriff, of Paris, an office never before conferred on a
surgeon, but. which he filled in a manner highly creditable,
and directed his attention, as a magistrate, chiefly to the
health of the city. On the birth of Louis XVII. he was honoured with the ribbon of the order of St. Michael, in consideration of his talents and services, but did not long enjoy
this honour, being seized with an apoplexy, which after
eight days proved fatal, March 12, 1782. Besides the
works already noticed, he published, “Dissertations sur
les Antiseptiques,
” Memoires sur le
danger des Caustiques pour la cure radicale des Hernies,
”
, a distinguished French critic, was born at Paris, March 16, 1631. He began his studies at Nanterre,
, a distinguished French critic, was
born at Paris, March 16, 1631. He began his studies at
Nanterre, where he discovered an early taste for polite
literature, and soon made surprising progress in all the
valuable parts of learning In 1649 he left Nanterre, was
admitted a canon regular in the abbey of St. Genevieve,
and after a year’s probation took the habit in this abbey.
Here he applied to philosophy and divinity, in which he
made great proficiency, and took upon him priest’s orders
in 1657; but, either from inclination, or in obedience to
his superiors, he resumed the belles letters, and taught
polite literature in several religious houses. After twelve
years, being tired of the fatigue of such an employment,
he gave it up, with a resolution to lead a quiet and retired
life. Here he published his “Parallel, or comparison
betwixt the principles of Aristotle’s natural philosophy, and
those of Des Cartes,
” Paris, epic poetry,
” which
gained him great reputation: Boileau says it is one of the
best compositions on this subject that ever appeared in the
French language. Bossu having met with a piece wrote
by St. Sorlin against this poet, he wrote a confutation of
it, for which favour Boileau was extremely grateful; and
it produced an intimate friendship betwixt them, which
continued till our author’s death, March 14, 1680. He
left a vast number of manuscript volumes, which are kept
in the abbey of St. John de Chartres.
, a law-writer of great reputation in France, was born at Paris, April 16, 1719, of an honourable family. His
, a law-writer of
great reputation in France, was born at Paris, April 16,
1719, of an honourable family. His father, who was also
a lawyer, spared no expence in his education. From the
age of sixteen he studied jurisprudence with such perseverance and success as to be admitted to a doctor’s degree in
1747. Being employed to prepare the articles on jurisprudence and canon law for the Encyclopaedia, he wrote those
on council, decretals, &c. but, for what reason we are
not told, they gave offence to the encyclopedists, who became on that account his enemies, and prevented him for
some time from attaining the rank of professor, which wag
the object of his ambition. Bouchaud, however, consoied
himself by cultivating a taste for modem poetry. He
translated several of the dramas of Apostolo Zeno into
French, and published them in 1758, 2 vols. 12mo, and in
1764 he translated the English novel of “Lady Julia Mandeville.
” In the interval between these two, he published
“Essai sur la poesie rhythmique,
” Traité de Timpot
du vingtieme sur les successions, et de l'impot sur les marchandises chez les Romains,
” a very curious history of the
taxes which the ancient emperors imposed. In 1766, on
the death of M. Hardron, he was elected into the French
academy, notwithstanding the opposition of the encyclopedists, whose dislike seems not ill calculated to give us a favourable idea of the soundness of his principles. This was
followed by a law professorship, and some years after he
was advanced to the professorship of the law of nature and
nations in the royal college of France. He was nominated
to this by the king in 1774, and was the first professor, it
being then founded. On this he wrote in the memoirs of
the academy, a curious paper concerning the societies that
were formed hy the Roman publicans for the receipt of the
taxes. The body of the publicans was taken from the order of knights, and had great influence and credit. They
were called by Cicero “the ornament of the capital,
” and
the “pillars of the state.
” Th“knights, though rich, entered
into associations, when the taxes of a whole province were
farmed out by the senate, because no individual was opulent
enough to be responsible for such extensive engagements;
and the nature of these societies or associations, and the
various conventions, commercial a>id pecuniary engagements, occupations, and offices, to which they gave rise,
form the subject of this interesting paper, which was followed by various others on topics of the same nature. In
1777 he published his
” Theorie des traits de commerce
entre les nations,“the principles of which seem to be
founded on justice and reciprocal benefits. In 1784 appeared another curious work on the ancient Roman laws and
policy, entitled,
” Recherches historiques surla Police des
Romains, concernant les grands chemins, les rues, et les
marches.“His
” Commentaire sur les lois des clouze tables," first published in 1767, was reprinted in 1803, with
improvements and additions, at the expense of the French
government, and he was employed in some treatises intended for the national institute, when he died, Feb. 1,
1804, regretted as aprofound and enlightened law-writer. It
is remarkable that in his essay on commercial treaties abovementioned, he contends for our Selden’s Mare Clausum,
as the opinion of every man who is not misled by an immoderate zeal for his own country.
, first painter to Louis XV. was born at Paris in 17u6, and was educated under Le Moine, after
, first painter to Louis XV. was born at Paris in 17u6, and was educated under Le Moine, after which he studied at Rome. On his return to Paris, he employed himself on every species of the art, but especially in the light and agreeable. His Infant Jesus sleeping, is finely coloured, and designed with a most flowing contour. The Shepherd asleep on the knees of his shepherdess, is a little landscape of singular merit. Many of his other landscapes are peculiarly happy. His other most noted pieces are pastorals for the manufacture of tapestry, at Beauvais; the muses in the king’s library; the four seasons, in the figure of infants, for the ceiling of the council-room at Fontainbleau; a hunt of tigers, &c. He was usually called the painter of the graces, and the Anacreon of painting; but his works did not justify these high encomiums, and seem to have rather sunk in the estimation of his countrymen. He died of premature old age in 1770.
, a celebrated French critic, was born at Paris in 1628; and has by some been considered as a
, a celebrated French critic,
was born at Paris in 1628; and has by some been considered as a proper person to succeed Malherbe, who died
about that time. He entered into the society of Jesuits at
sixteen, and was appointed to read lectures upon polite
literature in the college of Clermont at Paris, where he
had studied; but he was so incessantly attacked with the
head-ach, that he could not pursue the destined task. He
afterwards undertook the education of two sons of the duke
of Longueville, which he discharged to the entire satisfaction of the duke, who had such a regard for him, that he
would needs die in his arms; and the “Account of the
pious and Christian death
” of this great personage was the
first work which Bouhours gave the public. He was sent
to Dunkirk to the popish refugees from England; and, in,
the midst of his missionary occupations, found time to
compose and publish many works of reputation. Among
these were “Entretiens d‘Ariste & d’Eugene,
” a work of
a critical nature, which was printed no less than five times
at Paris, twice at Grenoble, at Lyons, at Brussels, at Amsterdam, at Leyden, &c. and embroiled him with a great
number of critics, and with Menage in particular; who,
however, lived in friendship with our author before and
after. There is a passage in this work which gave great
oifence in Germany, where he makes it a question,
“Whether it be possible that a German could be a wit
”
The fame of it, however, and the pleasure he took in reading it, recommended Bouhours so effectually to the celebrated minister Colbert, that he trusted him with the education of his son, the marquis of Segnelai. The Remarks
and Doubts upon the French language has been reckoned
one of the most considerable of our author’s works; and
may be read with great advantage by those who would perfect themselves in that tongue. Menage, in his Observations upon the French language, has given his approbation
of jt in the following passage: “The book of Doubts,
”
says he, “is written with great elegance, and contains
many fine observations. And, as Aristotle has said, that
reasonable doubt is the beginning of all real knowledge; so
we may say also, that the man who doubts so reasonably
as the author of this book, is himself very capable of deciding. For this reason perhaps it is, that, forgetting the
tide of his work, he decides oftener than at first he proposed.
” Bouhours was the author of another work, “The
art of pleasing in conversation,
” of which M. de la Grose,
who wrote the eleventh volume of the Bibliotheque Universelle, has given an account, which he begins with this
elogium upon the author “A very little skill,
” says he,
“in style and manner, will enable a reader to discover the
author of this work. He will see at once the nice, the
ingenious, and delicate turn, the elegance and politeness
of father Bouhours. Add to this, the manner of writing in
dialogue, the custom of quoting himself, the collecting
strokes of wit, the little agreeable relations interspersed,
and a certain mixture of gallantry and morality which is
altogether peculiar to this Jesuit. This work is inferior to
nothing we have seen of father Bouhours. He treats in
twenty dialogues, with an air of gaiety, of every thing
which can find a way into conversation; and, though he
avoids being systematical, yet he gives his reader to understand, that there is no subject whatever, either of divinity,
philosophy, law, or physic, &c. but may be introduced
into conversation, provided it be done with ease, politeness, and in a manner free from pedantry and affectation.
”
He died at Paris, in the college of Clermont, upon the
27th of May 1702; after a life spent, says Moreri, under
such constant and violent fits of the head-ach, that he had
but few intervals of perfect ease. The following is a list
of his works with their dates: 1. “Les Entretiens d‘Ariste
et d’Eugene,
” Remarques et Doutes
sur la langue Franchise,
” 3 vols. 12mo. 3. “La Manier
de bien penser sur les ouvrages d' esprit,
” Paris, Pensees ingenieuses des anciens et des modernes,
” Paris, You have, it is true, introduced me in your
new work, but in very bad company,
” alluding to the frequent mention of some Italian and French versifiers whom
Boileau despised. 5. “Pensees ingenieuses des Peres de
l'Eglise,
” Paris, too much of
his time Oh profane literature. 6.
” Histoire du grandmaitre d'Aubusson,“1676, 4to, 1679, and lately in 1780.
7. The lives of St. Ignatius, Paris, 1756, 12mo, and of
St. Francis Xavier, 1682, 4to, or 2 vols. 12mo. Both these
are written with rather more judgment than the same lives
by Ribadeneira, but are yet replete with the miraculous
and the fabulous. The life of Xavier was translated by
Dryden, and published at London in 1688, with a dedication to king James II. 's queen. Dryden, says Mr. Malone,
doubtless undertook this task, in consequence of the queen,
when she solicited a son, having recommended herself to
Xavier as her patron saint. 8.
” Le Nouveau Testament,"
translated into French from the Vulgate, 2 vols. 1697
1703, 12mo.
, one of the earliest French infidels, who assumed the name of philosophers was born at Paris in 1722, and died therein 1759, aged only thirty
, one of the earliest
French infidels, who assumed the name of philosophers
was born at Paris in 1722, and died therein 1759, aged
only thirty -seven. During his education, he is said to
have come out of the college of Beauvais almost as ignorant
as he went in; hut, struggling hard against his inaptitude
to study, he at length overcame it. At seventeen years of
age he began to apply himself to mathematics and architecture; and,n three or lour years made such progress
as to be usefrl to the baron of Thiers, whom he accompanied to thearmy in quality of engineer. Afterwards he
had the supervision of the highways and bridges, and executed severa public works in Champagne, Burgundy, and
Lorrain. Ii cutting through mountains, directing and
changing tie courses of rivers, and in breaking up and
turning ov<r the strata of the earth, he saw a multitude of
different substances, which (he thought) evinced the great
antiquity of it, and a long series of revolutions which it
must hav undergone. From the revolutions in the globe,
he passei to the changes that must have happened in the
manner?of men, in societies, in governments, in religion
and fomed many conjectures upon all these. To be farther saisfied, he wanted to know what, in the history of
ages, lad been said upon these particulars; and, that he
might be informed from the fountain-head, he learned
first latin, and then Greek. Not yet content, he plunged
into clebrew, Syriac, Chaldaic, and Arabic and from
these studies accumulated a vast mass of singular and paradoxical opinions which he conveyed to the public in the
followng works: 1. “Traite du Despotisme Oriental,
” 2
vols. 2mo, 2. “L'antiquite devoile, par ses usages,
” 3
vols. 12mo. This was posthumous. 3. Another work, entitle! “Le Christianisme demasqu6,
” 8vo, is attributed
to Hm, but it is not certain that he was the author of it.
4. le furnished to the Encyclopedic the articles Deluge,
C-rvde, and Societe. 5. A dissertation on Elisha and
Eioch. 6. He left behind him in ms. a dictionary, which
my be regarded as a concordance in antient and modern
Jjnguages. Voltaire, the baron D'Holbach, and other disgminators of infidelity, made much use of Boulanger’s
works, and more of his name, which, it is supposed, they
prefixed to some of their own compositions. Barruel gives
some reason for thinking that Boulanger retracted his
opinions before his death. His name, however, still remained of consequence to the party; and as late as 1791,
an edition of his works, entitled the Philosophical
Library, was published at the philosophic press in Swisserland.
, the elder, painter to the king, and professor in the French academy, was born at Paris in 1609, and was principally distinguished for
, the elder, painter to the king, and professor in the French academy, was born at Paris in 1609, and was principally distinguished for his ability in copying the works of the most famous ancient painters, which he did with astonishing fidelity. Tbere are also in the church of Notre Dame at Paris three pictures of his own of considerable merit. He died at Paris in 1674, leaving the two following sons:
, eldest son of the preceding, was born at Paris in 1649, and acquired the principles of painting
, eldest son of the preceding,
was born at Paris in 1649, and acquired the principles of
painting from his father, whom he resembled in his talent
of imitating the works of the greatest masters. After a residence of five years in Italy, he was admitted into the
academy, of which he became a professor, and employed
by Louis XIV. at Versailles and Trianon. He excelled in
history and portrait; his designs were accurate, and his
colouring good. Besides his paintings in fresco, in two
of the chapels of the Invalids, he painted several pieces
for the churches and public buildings of Paris, several of
which have been engraved. We have alsothree etchings
done by him, from his own compositions, viz. a species of
“Almanack;
” “St. John in the Desert
” and “St. Bruno
in a landscape
” its’ companion. He died at Paris in
Genevieve
” and “Magdalen,
”
painted well, and were members of the royal academy in
1669.
, a member of the French academy of sciences, was born at Paris, Sept. 14, 1713, of a good family, and after having
, a member of the French academy of sciences, was born at Paris, Sept. 14, 1713, of a good family, and after having studied humanities in the Mazarin college, and a course of philosophy in the college of Beauvais, applied himself more particularly to medicine and law, and the oriental languages in the royal college. The great progress which he made in the latter, occasioned his being invited to Rheims to teach these languages, and to fill a professor’s chair; but this he declined out of respect to his father, who wished him to appear at the bar. Neither this, however, nor languages, were to his own liking, and his parents, after some consideration, allowed him to pursue his inclination for medicine, and natural history, to which he added a taste for general literature and criticism. In 1737, he began to give extracts from the London Philosophical Transactions, and this with so much judgment and ability as to excite the attention of the literati of France, who after revolving the plan, conceived that a translation of the Transactions with notes would be more useful than these extracts, and agreed that M. de Bremond should be requested to undertake it. He accordingly began the work, and published four vols. 4to. including the years 1731—1736, withacomplete index, and notes pointing out where the subjects are treated in the memoirs of other learned bodies, or in separate publications: some of these notes are complete dissertations. The royal society, on this, honoured him with the title of secretary; and on March 18, 1739, he was admitted into the French royal academy of sciences. The same year he read a learned paper on respiration. He joined afterwards with M. Morand, a celebrated surgeon, in collecting and translating all the English publications respecting Mrs. Stephens’s remedy for the stone, which once was thought infallible. He translated likewise Dr. Halley’s experiments on sea water, and Hauksbee’s experiments, 2 vols. 12mo; and Murdoch’s new loxodromic tables, for the construction of marine charts. This industrious writer died March 21, 1742, aged only twenty-nine. His eloge was composed by M. cle Mairan, then secretary to the academy.
aris, an adjunct of the academy of sciences, and an ordinary associate of the royal medical society, was born at Paris, Feb. 18, 1746. His father intended him for the
, an eminent French
physician, censor royal, doctor-regent and professor of
chemistry in the faculty of medicine at Paris, an adjunct
of the academy of sciences, and an ordinary associate of
the royal medical society, was born at Paris, Feb. 18, 1746.
His father intended him for the bar, but his inclination
stfbn led him to relinquish that profession for the study of
the various sciences connected with medicine, in all which
he made great proficiency, and gave lectures on mineralogy and chemistry. His plan and familiar mode of
teaching soon procured him numerous pupils, and connecting himself with Lavoisier and other eminent chemists, he
instituted a variety of experiments which, while they procured him the notice and honours of his profession, much
impaired his health, and at a very early age, he was so debilitated in body and mind, as to require the use of stimulants to excite a momentary vigour; he is even said to
have taken one hundred grains of opium in a day. By
these means he was enabled to protract his existence until
Jan. 24, 1780, when he died completely exhausted, although only in his thirty-fourth year. Except his papers
in the literary journals, we know of only one publication
of Bucquet’s, “Introduction a Tetude des corps naturels,
tirés du regne vegetal,
”
and illustrious family in France, lord of Marli-la-ville, king’s counsellor, and master of requests, was born at Paris in 1467. He was the second son of John Budé, lord
, or Bude’ (William), an eminent scholar
and critic, the descendant of an ancient and illustrious
family in France, lord of Marli-la-ville, king’s counsellor,
and master of requests, was born at Paris in 1467. He
was the second son of John Budé, lord of Yere and Villiers,
secretary to the king, and one of the grand officers of the
French chancery. In his infancy he was provided with
masters; but such was the low state of Parisian education
at that time, that when sent to the university of Orleans to
study law, he remained there for three years, without
making any progress, for want of a proper knowledge of
the Latin language. Accordingly, on his return home, his
parents had the mortification to discover that he was as
ignorant as when he went, disgusted with study of any
kind, and obstinately bent to pass his time amidst the
gaieties and pleasures of youth, a coarse which his fortune
enabled him to pursue. But after he had indulged this
humour for some time, an ardent passion for study seized
him, and became irresistible. He immediately disposed
of his horses, dogs, &c. with which he followed the chace,
applied himself to study, and in a short time made very
considerable progress, although he had no masters, nor
either instruction or example in his new pursuit. He became, in particular, an excellent Latin scholar, and although
his style is not so pure or polished as that of those who
formed themselves in early life on the best models, it is
far from being deficient in fluency or elegance. His knowledge of the Greek was so great that John de Lascaris, the
most learned Grecian of his time, declared that Budé might
be compared with the first orators of ancient Athens. This
language is perhaps complimentary, but it cannot be denied that his knowledge of Greek was very extraordinary,
considering how little help he derived from instructions.
He, indeed, employed at a large salary, one Hermonymus,
but soon found that he was very superficial, and had acquired the reputation of a Greek scholar merely from
knowing a little more than the French literati, who at that
time knew nothing. Hence Budé used to call himself
ανἶομαθης & οψιμαϑης
i. e. self-taught and late taught. The work
by which he gained most reputation, and published under
the title “De Asse,
” was one of the tirst efforts to clear up
the difficulties relating to the coins and measures of the
ancients; and although an Italian, Leonardus Portius, pretended to claim some of his discoveries, Budé vindicated
his right to them with spirit and success. Previously to
this he had printed a translation of some pieces of Plutarch,
and “Notes upon the Pandects.
” His fame having
reached the court, he was invited to it, but was at first
rather reluctant. He appears to have been one of those
who foresaw the advantages of a diffusion of learning, and
at the same time perceived an unwillingness in the court
to entertain it, lest it should administer to the introduction
of what was called heresy. Charles VIII. was the first
who invited him to court, but died soon after: his successor Louis XII. employed him twice on embassies to
Italy, and made him his secretary. This favour continued
in the reign of Francis I. who sent for Budé to court when
it was held at Arches at the interview of that monarch with
Henry VIII. the king of England. From this time Francis
paid him much attention, appointed him his librarian, and
master of the requests, while the Parisians elected him
provost of the merchants. This political influence he employed in promoting the interests of literature, and suggested to Francis I. the design of establishing professorships for languages and the sciences at Paris. The excessive heats of the year 1540 obliging the king to take a
journey to the coast of Normandy, Budé accompanied his
majesty, but unfortunately was seized with a fever, which
carried him off Aug. 23/1540, at Paris. His funeral was
private, and at night, by his own desire. This circumstance created a suspicion that he died in the reformed religion; but of this there is ho direct proof, and although
he occasionally made free with the court of Rome and the
corruptions of the clergy in his works, yet in them likewise he wrote with equal asperity of the reformers. Erasmus called him porttntum Gallic, the prodigy of France.
There was a close connection between these two great
men. “Their letters/' says the late Dr. Jortin,
” though
full of compliments and civilities, are also full of little
bickerings and contests: which shew that their friendship
was not entirely free from some small degree of jealousy
and envy; especially on the side of Budé, who yet in
other respects was an excellent person." It is not easy
to determine on which side the jealousy lay; perhaps it
was on both. Budé might envy Erasmus for his superior
taste and wit, as well as his more extensive learning; and
perhaps Erasmus might envy Budé for a superior knowledge of the Greek tongue, which was generally ascribed
to him.
, a French physician, was born at Paris in 1722, and died in the same city in 1772, at
, a French physician, was born
at Paris in 1722, and died in the same city in 1772, at 50
years of age. He practised medicine there with great success, and wrote, 1. “Medicine de l'esprit,
” Paris, Abdeker,
” or the art of preserving beauty, Memoires sur divers sujets de
medicine,
” 1760, 8vo. 4. “Memoire sur Tetat actuel de la
Pharmacia,
” Projet d'aneaniirla Petiteverole,
” Medicine pratique,
” 3 vols.
12mo, and 1 vol. 4to. 7. “Amphitheatrum poeticum,
”
a poem, Journal
Economique,
” from Dissertations sur le
bois de charpente,
” Paris, Le Genie d'Architecture,
” ibid. Traite de la force de
bois,
” Le guide de reux qui veulent
batir,
” 2 vols. 8vo. He died July 24, 177.9. Another
brother, Armand Gaston Camus, who died in 1804, was
a very active agent in all the revolutionary measures of the
different French assemblies, and being sent to arrest Dumourier in 1793, was delivered by him to the Austrians,
and afterwards exchanged for the daughter of Louis XVI.
His political conduct belongs to the history of those turbulent periods. In 1800 he was commissioned to inspect the
libraries and collections of the united departments, and
particularly examined the library of Brussels, which is rich
in Mss. He was a man of some learning, and extensive
knowledge of books; and published, 1. “Observations sur
la distribution et le classement des livres d'une bibliotheque.
” 2. “Memoire sur un livre Allemand,
” the famous
Tewrdannckhs. 3. “Memoire sur Thistoire et les procédés du Polytypage et de la Stereotype.
” 4. “Rapport
sur la continuation de la collection des Historiens de la
France, et de celle des Chartres et Diplomes.
” 5. “Notice d'un livre imprim6 a Bamberg in 1462,
” a very curious memoir of a book, first described in the Magasin Hist.
Litt. Bibliog. 1792. 6. “Memoire sur la collection des
grands et petits voyages,
” Notices
des Mss. de la Bibl. Nationale,
” vol. VI. is an interesting
memoir by him, relating to two ancient manuscript bibles,
in 2 vols. fol. adorned with 5152 pictures, each of them
having a Latin and French verse beautifully written and
illuminated beneath.
, an exemplary French prelate, was born at Paris in 1582, and on account of his excellent character
, an exemplary French prelate,
was born at Paris in 1582, and on account of his excellent
character and talents, was nominated to the bishopric of
Bellay by Henry IV. in 1609, before he was of age, but
having obtained the pope’s dispensation, he was consecrated
on Dec. 30th of the same year. From this time he appears to have devoted his time and talents to the edification
of his flock, and of the people at large, by frequent preaching, and more frequent publication of numerous works calculated to divert their attention to the concerns of an immortal life. In his time romances began to be the favourite
books with all who would be thought readers of taste; and
Camus, considering that it would not be easy to persuade
them to leave off such books without supplying them with
some kind of substitute, published several works of practical piety with a mixture of romantic narrative, by which
he hoped to attract and amuse the attention of romancereaders, and draw them on insensibly to matters of religious
importance. He contrived, therefore, that the lovers, in
these novels, while they encountered the usual perplexities,
should be led to see the vanity and perishable nature of all
human enjoyments, and to form resolutions of renouncing
worldly delights, and embracing a religious life. Among
these works we find enumerated, 1. “Dorothee, ou recit
de la pitoyable issue d'une volorite violentee,
” Paris, Alexis,
” 1^22, 3 vols. 8vo. 3. L'Hyacinte, histoire
Catalane,“ibid. 1627, 8yo. 4.
” Alcime, relation funeste,
&c.“ibid. 12mo, 1625, &c. But the principal object of
his reforming spirit was the conduct of the rnonks, or mendicant friars, against whom he wrote various severe remonstrances, and preached against them with a mixture
of religious fervour and satirical humour. Among the
works he published against them are, 1.
” Le Directeur
desinteresse,“Paris, 1632, 12mo. 2.
” Desappropriation
claustrale,“Besangon, 1634. 3.
” Le Rabat-joy e du triomphe monagal.“4.
” L'anti-Moine bien prepare,“1632,
&c. &c. These monks teazed the cardinal Richelieu to
silence him, and the cardinal told him,
” I really find no
other fault with you but this horrible bitterness against
the monks; were it not for that, I would canonize you.“”I wish that may come to pass,“said the bishop,
” “for
then we should both have our wish; you would be pope,
and I a saint.
” Many of his bons-mots were long in
circulation, and show that he had the courage to reprove
vices and absurdities among the highest classes. In 1620
he established in the city of Bellay a convent of capuchins,
and in 1622 one for the nuns of the visitation, instituted
by St. Francis de Sales. In 1629 he resigned his bishopric
that he might pass the remainder of his days in retirement,
in the abbey of Cluny in Normandy, but the archbishop of
Rouen, unwilling that so active a member of the church
should not be employed in public services, associated him
in his episcopal cares, by appointing him his grand vicar.
At length he finally retired to the hospital of incurables in
Paris, where he died April 26, 1652. Moreri has enumerated a large catalogue of his works, the principal of
which, besides what we have enumerated, are, “L' Esprit
de S. Frangois de Sales,
” 6 vols. 8vo, reduced to one by a
doctor of the Sorbonne; and “L'Avoisinement des Protestans avec TEglise Romaine,
” republished in Moyens de reunir les
Protestans avec l'Eglise Romaine.
” Simon asserted, that
Bossuet’s exposition of the catholic faith was no more than
this work in a new dress.
, a painter, was born at Paris in 1676, where he also died in the month of June
, a painter, was born at Paris in 1676, where he also died in the month of June 1754. He had for masters in his art Houasse, and afterwards Bon Boullogne. He obtained the grand prize of painting in 1699, and was received member of the academy in 1704. Cases may be considered as one of the first painters of the French school. His drawing is correct, and in the grand style, his compositions bear marks of genius; he excels in draperies, and possesses a knowledge of the chiaroscuro to a very high degree. His strokes are mellow, and his pencil brilliant. There is much freshness in his tints. This famous artist worked with great industry; but his performances are not all of equal beauty. Towards the latter end of his life, the coldness of age and the weakness of his organs, occasioned him to produce pictures which betray the decline of his powers. Some of his works may be seen at Paris, in the church of Notre Dame, in the college of Jesuits, at the house of charity, at the petit St. Antoine, at the chapel of la Jussienne, at the abbey of St. Martin, and particularly at St. Germain-des. Prs, where he has represented the lives of St. Germain and of St. Vincent. A holy family at St. Louis de Versailles, is much admired, and is one of his best productions. Cases mostly excelled in pictures with horses. The king of Prussia has two fine pieces by this painter, which have been compared for their execution with the works of Correggio. The celebrated Le Moine was a scholar of Cases.
stronomer, and member of the several academies of sciences of France, England, Prussia, and Bologna, was born at Paris Feb. 18, 1677, being the younger son of the preceding,
, a celebrated French astronomer, and member of the several academies of sciences of France, England, Prussia, and Bologna, was born at Paris Feb. 18, 1677, being the younger son of the preceding, whom he succeeded as astronomer at the royal observatory, the elder son having lost his life at the battle of La Hogue.
tor of the observatory, pensioner astronomer, and member of most of the learned societies of Europe, was born at Paris, June 17, 1714, being the second son of the preceding,
, a celebrated French astronomer, director of the observatory, pensioner astronomer, and member of most of the learned societies of Europe, was born at Paris, June 17, 1714, being the second son of the preceding, whose occupations and talents our author inherited and supported with great honour. He received his first lessons in astronomy and mathematics from Messieurs Maraldi and Camus. He was hardly ten years of age when he calculated the phases of the total eclipse of the sun of 1727. At the age of eighteen he accompanied his father in his two journeys undertaken for drawing the perpendicular to the observatory meridian from Strasbourg to Brest. From that time a general chart of France was devised; for which purpose it was necessary to traverse the country by several lines parallel and perpendicular to the meridian of Paris, and our author was charged with the conduct of this business. He did not content himself with the measure of a degree by Picard; suspecting even that the measures which had been taken by his father and grandfather were not exempt from some errors, which the imperfections of their instruments at least would be liable to, he again undertook to measure the meridian of Paris, by means of a new series of triangles, of a smaller number, and more advantageously disposed. This great work was published in 1740, with a chart shewing the new meridian of Paris, by two different series of triangles, passing along the sea-coasts to Bayonne, traversing the frontiers of Spain to the Mediterranean and Antibes, and thence along the eastern limits of France to Dunkirk, with parallel and perpendicular lines described at the distance of 6000 toises from one another, from side to side of the country. Jn 1735 he had been received into the academy as adjoint supernumerary, at twenty-one years of age.
, one of the ablest generals under Louis XIV. the son of the dean of the counsellors of parliament, was born at Paris, Sept. 1, 1637, and began his career at the bar;
, one of the ablest generals under Louis XIV. the son of the dean of the counsellors of
parliament, was born at Paris, Sept. 1, 1637, and began
his career at the bar; but having lost a cause that had
justice on its side, he renounced the profession for that of
arms. He first served in the cavalry, where he never
omitted an opportunity of distinguishing himself. In 1667,
in the presence of Louis XIV. at the attack on the counterscarpe of Lisle, he performed an action so honourable
both to his judgment and his courage, that it procured
him a lieutenantcy in the regiment of guards. Gradually
rising to the first dignities in the army, he signalized himself at Maestricht, at Besangon, at Senef, at Cambray, at
Valenciennes, at St. Omer’s, at Ghent, and at Ypres.
The great Comic“set a proper value on his merit, and
wrote to him, after the hattle of Senef, where Catinat had
been wounded:
” No one takes a greater interest in your
wound than I do; there are so few men like you, that in
losing you our loss would be too great.' 7 Having attained
to the rank of lieutenant-general, in 1688, he beat the
duke of Savoy at Staffarde and at the Marsaille, made himself master of all Savoy and a part of Piedmont; marched
from Italy to Flanders, besieged and took the fortress of
Ath in 1697. He had been marechal of France from 1693,
and the king, reading the list of the marechals in his cabinet, exclaimed, on coming to his name: “Here valour has
met with its deserts!
” The war breaking out again in
If Villeroi has the command,
” said Eugene, “I shall beat him; if
Vendome be appointed, we shall have a stout struggle; if
it be Catinat, 1 shall be beaten.
” The bad state of the
army, the want of money for its subsistence, the little harmony there was between him and the duke of Savoy,
whose sincerity he suspected, prevented him from fulfilling
the prediction of prince Eugene. He was wounded in the
atfair of Chiari, and forced to retreat as far as behind the
Oglio. This retreat, occasioned by the prohibition he had
received from the court to oppose the passage of prince
Eugene, was the source of his subsequent mistakes and misfortunes. Catinat, notwithstanding his victories and his
negociations, was obliged to serve under Villeroi; and the
last disciple of Turenne and Conde was no longer allowed
to act but as second in command.' He bore this injustice
like a man superior to fortune. “I strive to forget my
misfortunes,
” he says in a letter to one of his friends,
“that my mind may be more at ease in executing the
orders of the marechal de Villeroi.
” In 1705 the king
named him to be a chevalier; but he refused the honour
intended him. His family testifying their displeasure at
this procedure, “Well, then,
” said he to his relations,
“strike me out of your genealogy
” He increased as little
as possible the crowd of courtiers. Louis XIV. once asking him why he was never seen at Marli; and whether it
was some business that prevented his coming? “None at
all,
” returned the marechal; “but the court is very numerous, and I keep away in order to let others have room
to pay their respects to you.
” He died at his estate of St.
Gratian, Feb. 25, 1712, at the age of 74, with the same
sedateness of mind that had accompanied him through life.
Numberless anecdotes are related of him, which shew that
this calmness of temper never forsook him. After an ineffectual attack at the unfortunate affair of Chiari, rallying
his troops, an officer said to him: “Whither would you
have us to go? to death?
” “It is true,
” replied Catinat,
“death is before us; but shame is behind.
” He had
qualities yet more estimable than bravery. He was humane and modest. The part of his labours most interesting
to humanity, was a regular correspondence with marechal
Vauban, on the administration of the revenues of the various countries which they had visited during their military
expeditions. They did not seek for means of increasing
the revenues of their sovereign beyond measure; but they
endeavoured to find the most equitable repartition of the
taxes, and the cheapest way of collecting them. Catinat,
on account of his cautiousness and judgment, was, by the
soldiers under his command, significantly called Pere la
Pensee, “Father Thought,
” a sirname which he appears
to have deserved in his peaceable retreat, not less than in
his military expeditions.
, a learned and industrious writer, was born at Paris Dec. 28, 1659. After studying classics and philosophy,
, a learned and industrious writer,
was born at Paris Dec. 28, 1659. After studying classics
and philosophy, he relinquished the bright prospects of
promotion held out to him by his maternal uncle M. de
Lubert, who was treasurer-general of the marine; entered
the society of the Jesuits in 1677, and completed his
vows in 1694 at the college of Bourges, where he then
resided. After teaching for a certain number of years,
agreeably to the custom of his society, his superiors ordained him to the pulpit, and he became a very celebrated
preacher for some years, at the end of which the “Journal
de Trevoux
” was committed to his care: he appears to
have been editor of it from 1701, and notwithstanding his
almost constant attention to this journal, which for about
twelve years he enriched with many valuable dissertations
and extracts, he found leisure for various separate publications. In 1705, he published his “Histoire generate de
Tempire du Mogul,
” Paris, 4to, or 2 vols. 12mo, and often
reprinted. It is taken from the Portuguese memoirs of
M. Manouchi, a Venetian. In 1706 appeared his “Histoire duFanatisme des religions protestantes,
” Paris, 12mo,
containing only the history of the anabaptists; but he reprinted it in 1733, 2 vols. 12mo, with the history of
Davidism, and added the same year in a third volume, the
history of the Quakers. This work is in more estimation
abroad than it probably would be in this country. He employed himself for some time on a translation of Virgil into
prose, which was completed in 1716, Paris, 6 vols. 12mo,
and was reprinted in 1729, 4 vols. The notes and life of
Virgil are the most valuable part of the book, although his
admirers affected to consider him as excelling equally as
commentator, critic, and translator. That, however, on
which his fame chiefly rests, is his “Roman History,
” to
which his friend Rouilie contributed the notes. This
valuable work was completed in 20 vols. 4to, and was soon
translated into Italian and English, the latter in 1728, by
Dr. Richard Bundy, 6 volg. folio. Rouilie, who undertook
to continue the history, 'after the death of his colleague,
published only one volume in 1739, 4to, and died himself
the following year. Father Routh then undertook the
continuation, but the dispersion of the Jesuits prevented
his making much progress. As a collection of facts, this
history is the most complete we have, and the notes are
valuable, but the style is not that of the purest historians.
Catrou preserved his health and spirits to an advanced age,
dying Oct. 18, 1737, in his seventy-eighth year
, a French Jesuit, was born at Paris in 1670, and was early distinguished by spirit,
, a French Jesuit, was
born at Paris in 1670, and was early distinguished by
spirit, vivacity, and a turn for poetry, which, while he
wrote in Latin, procured him considerable reputation.
This, however, he forfeited by his French verses, in imitation of Marot, in which he mistook burlesque and trifling,
for the familiar and simple. He wrote also some theatrical
pieces of an inferior order but was more successful in his
“Defense de la Poesie Francoise,
” and other dissertations
on the same subject. He wrote also, 1. “L'Histoire de
Thamas Kouli-Kan, sophi de Perse,
” Amsterdam, Histoire de la Conjuration de Rienzi,
”
12mo, which was completed by father Brumoy. 3. A criticism on the abbé Boileau’s “History of the Flagellants.
” He contributed also a great many papers to the Journal de
Trevoux, and was long engaged in a controversy with one
of the authors of the Journal des Savans, occasioned by
two dissertations printed at the end of the second volume
of Sannadon’s Horace, relative to a passage in Horace
concerning the music of the ancients. This produced from
Cerceau some valuable essays on the subject. His Latin
poetry was published in 1696, 12mo, under the title
“Varia de variis argumentis Carmina a multis e societate
Jesu.
” The other authors in this volume are Vaniere and
Tarillon. In 1807, his dramatic pieces were reprinted at
Paris, in 3 vols. 18mo, under the title “Theatre à l'usage
des colleges,
” He died suddenly in
, was born at Paris in 1717, and destined to supply his father’s place
, was
born at Paris in 1717, and destined to supply his father’s
place in the parliament of that city as a judge, as well as
that of his uncle in the same situation. He made choice
of the one of them that would give him the least trouble, and
afford him the most leisure for his benevolent projects.
Medicine was his favourite study. This he practised on
the poor only, with such an ardour and activity of mind,
that the hours which many persons give to sleep, he bestowed upon the assistance of the sick. To make himself
more useful to them, he had learned to bleed, which operation he performed with all the dexterity of the most experienced surgeon. His disposition to do good appeared so
early that when he was a boy, he used to give to the poor
the money which other boys spent in general in an idle and
unprofitable manner. He was once very much in love with a
young lady of great beauty and accomplishment; but
imagining that she would not make him a suitable assistant
in his attendance upon the poor, he gave over all thoughts
of marriage; not very wisely, perhaps, sacrificing to the
extreme delicacy of one woman only his attachment to
that sex, in whose tenderness of disposition, and in whose
instinctive quickness of feeling, he would have found tluufc
reciprocation of benevolence he was anxious to procure.
He was so forcibly struck with the wretched situation of
the great hospital of Paris (the Hotel Dieu, as it is called),
where the dead, the dying, and the living, are very often
crowded together in the same bed (five persons at a time occasionally occupying the same bed), that he wrote a
plan of reform for that hospital, which he shewed in manuscript to the famous John James Rousseau, requesting
him to correct it for him. “What correction,
” replied
Rousseau, “can a work want, that one cannot read without shuddering at the horrid pictures it represents? What
is the end of writing if it be not to touch and interest the
passions?
” M. de Chamousset was occasionally the author
of many benevolent and useful schemes; such as the establishment of the penny post at Paris; the bringing good
water to that city; a plan for a house of association, by
which any man, for a small sum of money deposited, may
be taken care of when he is sick; and many others; not
forgetting one for the abolition of begging, which is to
be found in “Lesvues d'uncitoyen.
” M. de Chamousset
was now so well known as a man of active and useful benevolence, that M. de Choiseul (when he was in the war department) made him, in 1761, intendant-general of the
military hospitals of France, the king, Louis XV. telling
him, “that he had never, since he came to the throne,
made out an appointment so agreeable to himself;
” and
added, “I am sure I can never make any one that will be
of such service to my troops.
” The pains he took in this
employment were incredible. His attention to his situation was so great, and conducted with such good sense
and understanding, that the marshal de Soubise, on visiting
one of the great military hospitals at Dusseldorf, under
the care of M. de Chamousset, said, “This is the first time
I have been so happy as to go round an hospital without
hearing any complaints.
” Another marshal of France told
his wife: “Were I sick,
” said he, “I would be taken to
the hospital of which M. de Chamousset has the management.
” M. de Chamousset was one day saying to the
minister, that he would bring into a court of justice the
peculation and rapine of a particular person. “God forbid you should!
” answered the minister, “you run a risk
of not dying in your bed.
” “I had rather,
” replied he,
“die in any manner you please, than live to see my country devoured by scoundrels.
”
, a learned French antiquary, was born at Paris, Sept. 12, 1538, and became highly distinguished
,
a learned French antiquary, was born at Paris, Sept. 12,
1538, and became highly distinguished for general erudition, and especially for his knowledge of civil and canon
law, history, politics, and the belles lettres. Nor was he
less admired for the excellence of his private character.
Louis XIII. made him intendant of the fortifications of the
gabelles, or excise on salt, &c. in the principality of Sedan,
and lastly intendant of the finances of the duchies of Bar
and Lorrain. He compiled, from original records, “Historical Memoirs of the Houses of Lorrain and Bar;
” the
first part of which only was published at Paris, 1642, folio.
He also published other works on detached parts of French
history; and after his death, his son published his “Treatise on Fiefs,
”
, an ingenious French writer, the son of an advocate, was born at Paris in 1741, and became teacher of the French language
, an ingenious French
writer, the son of an advocate, was born at Paris in 1741,
and became teacher of the French language in a military
school in Spain, where he published a French grammar,
entitled “Arte de Hablar bien Frances,
” Madrid, 4ta,
which went through six editions. On his return to France
he was appointed professor of history in the central school
of Gers, and afterwards in the imperial school at Fountainbleau. He died at Auch, Oct. 15, 1808. His works were,
3. “Dictionnaire des mots et usages introduits par la resolution,
” 8vo, a curious medley of cant phrases, which he
published under the name of M. L'Epithete of Politicopolis.
2. “Voyage dans les trois royaumes d‘Angleterre, d’Ecosse,
et d'Irlande:
” this journey he took in Lettres
ecrites de Barcelonne a un zelateur de la liberte
” qui voyage
en Allemande,“1792, 8vo. 4.
” Voyage philosophique,
politique, et litteraire, fait en Russie pendant les annees
1788 and 1789, &c.“2 vols. 8vo, replete with curious and
original information. 5.
” Essai didactique sur la forme
que doivent avoir les livres elementaires faits pour les
ecoles nationales,“1795, 8vo. 6.
” Tables chronologiques,“a translation of Blair’s Chronology, 1797, 4to.
7. The Index to Beau marc hais’s edition of Voltaire’s works,
which forms the 71st and 72d volume of that edition. 8.
” Rudimens de i'histoire,“a work of very considerable
merit. 9.
” La Science de I'histoire,“1803, et seqq. 4 vols.
4to. This work is peculiarly happy in the plan, and judicious and accurate in its execution. 10.
” Histoire de
France abregee ct chronologique depuis les Gaulois et les
Francs jusqu'en 1808," 2 vols. 8vo.
, a celebrated French poet, was born at Paris Dec. 4, 1595, and having been educated under Frederic
, a celebrated French poet, was
born at Paris Dec. 4, 1595, and having been educated
under Frederic Morel, Nicholas Bourbon, and other eminent masters, became tutor to the children of the marquis
de la Trousse, grand marshal of France, and afterwards
steward to this nobleman. During an abode of seventeen
years in this family, he translated “Guzman d'Alfarache,
”
from the Spanish, and directed his particular attention to
poetry. He wrote odes, sonnets, the last words of cardinal
Richelieu, and other pieces of poetry; and at length distinguished himself by his heroic poem called “La Pucelle,
”
or “France delivree.
” Chapelain was thought to have
succeeded to the reputation of Malherbe, and after his
death was reckoned the prince of the French poets. Gassendi, who was his friend, has considered him in this light;
and says, that “the French muses have found some comfort and reparation for the loss they have sustained by the
death of Malherbe, in the person of Chapelain, who has
now taken the place of the defunct, and is become the
arbiter of the French language and poetry.
” Sorbiere has
not scrupled to say, that Chapelain “reached even Virgil
himself in heroic poetry;
” and adds, that “he was a man of
great erudition as well as modesty.
” He possessed this
glorious reputation for thirty years; and, perhaps, might
have possessed it now, if he had suppressed the “Pucelle:
”
but the publication of this poem in
, a celebrated traveller, the son of an opulent protestant jeweller, was born at Paris Nov. 16, 1643. For some time it is probable that
, a celebrated traveller, the son
of an opulent protestant jeweller, was born at Paris Nov.
16, 1643. For some time it is probable that he followed
his father’s profession; but he was only twenty-two years
old when, in 1664 (not 1665, as Niceron says), he went to
the East Indies. There he remained for six years,
passing his time chiefly in Persia. He published no regular
account of this voyage, which he modestly says he conceived might be uninteresting, but confined himself to a
detail of certain events of which he had been an eye-witness. This was contained in a twelves volume printed at
Paris in 1671, the year after he returned, under the title of
“Le Couronnement de Soliman II. roi de Perse, et ce qui
s’est passe de plus memorable darts les deux premieres anne*es de son regne.
” In this work he was assisted by a
Persian nobleman, Mirza Sefi, one of the most learned
men of the kingdom, who was at that time in disgrace,
and confined to his palace at Ispahan, where Mr. Chardin
was entertained and instructed by him in the Persian language and history. It is introduced by a dedication to the
king which, according to the “Carpenteriana,
” was written by M. Charpentier. M. Petis de la Croix criticised
the work with soijae severity, as to the orthography and
etymology of some Persian words, and Tavernier objected
to the title, insisting that Soliman never wore the crown;
but Chardin found an able defender in P. Ange de la
Brosse.
, dean of the French academy, was born at Paris, Feb. 1620. His early discovery of great acuteness
, dean of the French academy, was born at Paris, Feb. 1620. His early discovery of
great acuteness made his friends design him for the bar:
but his taste led him to prefer the repose and stillness of
the closet, and he became more delighted with languages
and antiquity, than with the study of the law. He was
made a member of the French academy in 1651, and had
the advantage of the best conversation for his improvement.
When Colbert became minister of state, he projected the
setting up a French East-India company; and to recommend the design more effectually, he thought it proper
that a discourse should be published upon this subject.
Accordingly he ordered Charpentier to draw one up, and
was so pleased with his performance, published in 1664,
that he kept him in his family, with a design to place him
in another academy which was then founding, and which
was afterwards known by the name of “Inscriptions and
Medals.
” The learned languages, in which Charpentier
was a considerable master, his great knowledge of antiquity, and his exact and critical judgment, made him
very serviceable in carrying on the business of this newacademy; and it is agreed on all hands, that no person of
that learned society contributed more than himself towards
that noble series of medals, which were struck of the most
considerable events that happened in the reign of Lewis
XIV. but his adulation of the king exceeded that of all
his contemporaries.
, was born at Paris in 1541. Though his parents were in narrow ci
, was born at Paris in 1541. Though
his parents were in narrow circumstances, yet discovering
their son’s capacity, they were particularly attentive to his
education. After making a considerable proficiency in
grammar-learning, he applied to logic, metaphysics, moral
and natural philosophy, and afterwards studied civil and
common law at the universities of Orleans and Bourges,
and commenced doctor in that faculty. Upon his return
to Paris, he was admitted an advocate in the court of parliament. He always declared the bar to be the best and
most improving school in the world; and accordingly attended at all the public hearings for five or six years: but
foreseeing that preferment in this way, if ever attained at
all, was like to come very slow, as he had neither private
interest, nor relations among the solicitors and proctors of
the court, he gave over that employment, and closely applied to the study of divinity. By his superior pulpit
eloquence, he soon came into high reputation with the
greatest and most learned men of his time, insomuch that
the bishops seemed to strive which of them should get him
into his diocese; making him an offer of being theological
canon or divinity lecturer in their churches, and of other
dignities and benefices, besides giving him noble presents.
He was successively theologal of Bazas, Aqcs, Lethoure,
Agen, Cahors, and Condom, canon and schoolmaster in
the church of Bourdeaux, and chanter in the church of
Condom. Queen Margaret, duchess of Bulois, entertained him for her preacher in ordinary; and the king,
though at that time a protestant, frequently did him the
honour to be one of his audience. He was also retained
by the cardinal d'Armagnac, the pope’s legate at Avignon,
who had a great value for him; yet amidst all these promotions, he never took any degree or title in divinity, but
satisfied himself with deserving and being capable of the
highest. After about eighteen years absence from Paris,
he resolved to end his days there; and being a lover of
retirement, vowed to become a Carthusian. On his arrival
at Paris, he communicated his intention to the prior of the
order, but was rejected, notwithstanding his most pressing
entreaties. They told him that he could not be received
on account of his age, then about forty-eight, and that the
order required all the vigour of youth to support its austerities. He next addressed himself to the Celestines at
Paris, but with the same success, and for the same reasons:
in this embarrassment, he was assured by three learned
casuists, that as he was no ways accessary to the non -performance of his vow, it was no longer binding; and that
he might, with a very safe conscience, continue in the
world as a secular. He preached, however, a course of
Lent sermons at Angers in 1589. Going afterwards to
Bourdeaux, he contracted a very intimate friendship with
Michael de Montagne, author of the well known Essays,
from whom he received all possible testimonies of regard;
for, among other things, Montagne ordered by his last
will, that in case he should leave no issue-male of his own,
M. Charron should, after his decease, be entitled to bear
the coat of arms plain, as they belonged to his noble
family, and Charron, in return, made Montagne’s brotherin-law his residuary legatee. He staid at Bourdeaux from
1589 to 1593; and in that interval composed his book,
entitled, “Les Trois Verge’s,
” which he published in
books of Wisdom.
” Whilst he was thus
employed, the bishop of Condom, to draw him into his
diocese, presented him with the chaptership in his church;
and the theologal chair falling vacant about the same time,
made him an offer of that too, which -Charron accepted,
and resolved to settle there. In 1601 he printed at Bourdeaux his books “of Wisdom,
” which gave him a great
reputation, and made his character generally known.
October 1603, he made a journey to Paris, to thank the
Bishop of Boulogne; who, in order to have him near himself, had oifered him the place of theologal canon. This
he was disposed to accept of; but the moisture and coldness of the air at Boulogne, and its nearness to the sea,
not only made it, he said to a friend, a melancholy and
unpleasant place, but very unwholesome too; adding, that
the sun was his visible god, as God was his invisible sun.
At Paris he began a new edition of his books “of Wisdom,
”
of which he lived to see but three or four sheets printed,
dying Nov. 16, 1603, of an apoplexy. The impression of
the new edition of his book “of Wisdom,
” with alterations
by the author, occasioned by the offence taken at some
passages in the former, was completed in 1604, by the
care of a friend; but as the Bourdeaux edition contained
some things that were either suppressed or softened in the
subsequent one, it was much sought after by the curious.
Hence the booksellers of several cities reprinted the book
after that edition; and this induced a Paris bookseller to
print an edition, to which he subjoined all the passages of
the first edition which had been struck out or corrected,
and all those which the president Jeannin, who was employed by the chancellor to examine the book, judged
necessary to be changed. This edition appeared in 1707.
There have been two translations of it into English, the
last by George Stanhope, D. D. printed in 1697. Dr.
Stanhope says, that M. Charron “was a person that feared
God, led a pious and good life, was charitably disposed,
a person of wisdom and conduct, serious and considerate;
a great philosopher, an eloquent orator, a famous and
powerful preacher, richly furnished and adorned with the
most excellent virtues and graces both moral and divine;
such as made him very remarkable and singular, and deservedly gave him the character of a good man and a good
Christian; such as preserve a great honour and esteem for
his memory among persons of worth and virtue, and will
continue to do so as long as the world shall last.
” From
this high praise considerable deductions may surely be
made. Charron’s fame has scarcely outlived his century;
his book on “Wisdom
” certainly abounds in ingenious
and original observations on moral topics, but gives a
gloomy picture of human nature and society. Neither is
it free from sentiments very hostile to revealed religion,
but so artfully disguised as to impose on so orthodox a divine as dean Stanhope.
, a peer of France, but more remarkable as an astronomer and mathematician, was born at Paris Dec. 30, 1714. He soon discovered a singular taste
, a peer of France, but more remarkable as an astronomer and mathematician, was born at Paris Dec. 30, 1714. He soon discovered a singular taste and genius for the sciences; and in the tumults of armies and camps, he cultivated mathematics, astronomy, mechanics, &c. He was named honorary academician the 27th of February 1743, and few members were more punctual in attending the meetings of that body, where he often brought different constructions and corrections of instruments of astronomy, of dioptrics, and achromatic telescopes. These researches were followed with a new parallactic machine, more solid and convenient than those that were in use; as also with many reflections on the manner of applying the micrometer to those telescopes, and of measuring exactly the value of the parts of that instrument. The duke of Chaulnes proposed many other works of the same kind, which were interrupted by his death Sept. 23, 1769.
, a painter, engraver, and designer of great talents and industry, was born at Paris in 1613) and died there in 1676. His first performances
, a painter, engraver, and designer of great talents and industry, was born at Paris in
1613) and died there in 1676. His first performances
were some engravings from the pictures of Laurence de la
Hire, who was his master; but the liveliness of his imagination not comporting with the tardiness of the graving
tool, he began to delineate his own thoughts in aquafortis.
If his works have not the delicacy and mellowness that distinguish the engravings of some other artists, yet he threw
into them all the fire, all the force and sentiment of which
his art is susceptible. He worked with surprising facility.
His children used to read to him after supper the passages
of history he intended to draw. He instantly seized the
most striking part of the subject, traced the design of it
on the plate of copper with the point of his graver; and,
before he went to bed, fitted it for being corroded by the
aquafortis the next day, while he employed himself in
engraving or drawing something else. He supplied not
only painters and sculptors with designs, but also carvers
and goldsmiths, jewellers and embroiderers, and even joiners and smiths. Besides 4000 pieces engraved by his
hand, and 1400 executed from his designs, he painted
several small pictures, which were much admired, and
many of them were purchased by Le Brun. The multitude
of works on which he was employed brought their authors
to his house, and their frequent meetings and conversations there terminated in the establishment of the French
academy. He was admitted into the royal academy of
painting and sculpture in 1663, and obtained a pension
farengraving the plates of the Carousal. His small plates,
Mr. Strutt says, are executed in a style much resembling
that of Le Clerc, founded upon that of Callot. In his
large prints he approaches near to that coarse, dark style,
which was adopted by his tutor, La Hire. Among the sets
of prints executed from his own compositions, are those
for the “Bible History
” the “History of Greece
” the
“Metamorphosis of Benserade
” the “Jerusalem of Tasso
” the “Fables of La Fontaine
” “Alaric,
” or “Rome
conquered
” and several romances. Among the prints engraved from other masters are, “Christ with the Disciples
at Emmaus,
” from Titian a “Concert,
” from Dominichino;
the “Life of St. Bruno,
” from Le Sueur; “Apollo and
Daphne,
” from N. Poussin; “A Virgin and Child, with
St. John and little Angels,
” finely etched, and finished
with much taste; and “Meleager presenting the Head of
the Boar to Atalanta.
” With all his talents and fame,
Perrault assures us that he was a man of great modesty.
, a celebrated French preacher, was born at Paris Jan. 3, 1652, and entered the society of Jesuits
, a celebrated French
preacher, was born at Paris Jan. 3, 1652, and entered the
society of Jesuits in 1667, where he made a considerable
figure, and afterwards taught classical literature and rhetoric at Orleans but his talents being peculiarly
calculated for the pulpit, he became one of the most popular
preachers of his time in the churches of Paris. It became
the fashion to say that Bourdaioue was the Corneille, and
Cheminais the Racine of preachers; but his fame was
eclipsed by the superior merit of Massillon. When on account of his health he was obliged to desist from his public
services, he went every Sunday, as long as he was able,
to the country to instruct and exhort the poor. He died
in the flower of his age Sept. 15, 1689. Bretonneau, another preacher of note, published his “Sermons
” in Sentimens de Piete,
”
, daughter of Henry Cheron, a painter in enamel, of the town of Meaux, was born at Paris in 1648, studied under her father, and at the
, daughter of Henry
Cheron, a painter in enamel, of the town of Meaux, was
born at Paris in 1648, studied under her father, and at
the age of fourteen had acquired a name. The celebrated
Le Brun in 1676 presented her to the academy of painting
and sculpture, which complimented her talents by admitting her to the title of academician. This ingenious lady
divided her time between painting, the learned languages,
poetry, and music. She drew on a large scale a great number of gems, a work in which she particularly excelled.
These pictures were no less admirable for a good taste in
drawing, a singular command of pencil, a fine style of
colouring, and a superior judgment in the chiaroscuro.
The various manners in painting were all familiar to her.
She excelled in history, in oil-colours, in miniature enamels, in portrait painting, and especially in those of females. It is said that she frequently executed the portraits
of absent persons, merely from memory, to which she gave
as strong a likeness as if the persons had sat to her. The
academy of Ricovrati at Padua honoured her with the surname of Erato, and gave her a place in their society. She
died at Paris, Sept. 3, 1711, at the age of 63, two years
after she had been induced to marry M. La Hay, engineer
to the king, who was also advanced in years. Strutt says
she amused herself with engraving. Of the gems which
she designed, three were etched by herself, viz. Bacchus
and Ariadne, Mars and Venus, and Night scattering her
poppies. She also engraved a “Descent from the Cross,
”
and a “Drawing-book,
” consisting of 36 prints in folio.
, the brother of Elizabeth Cheron, was born at Paris in 1660; and having been taught the rudiments
, the brother of Elizabeth Cheron,
was born at Paris in 1660; and having been taught the
rudiments of the art in his own country, he travelled to
Italy, where his sister supplied him with a competency, to
enable him to prosecute his studies for eighteen years.
During his continuance in Italy, he made the works of Raphael and Julio Romano the principal object of his studies,
by which his future compositions had always a certain air
of the antique, though he had no great portion of grace,
and his figures were frequently too muscular. Two of his
pictures are in the church of Notre Dame, at Paris; the
one, of Herodias holding the charger with the head of St.
John the Baptist; the other, of Agabus foretelling the persecution of St. Paul. On account of his religion, being a
Calvinist, he was compelled to quit his native country,
and settled in London, the happy retreat of all distressed
artists; and there he found many patrons among the nobility and gentry, particularly the duke of Montague, for
whom he painted the Council of the Gods, the Judgment
of Paris, and he was also employed at Burleigh and Chatsworth; but finding himself eclipsed by Baptist, Rousseau,
and La Fosse, he commenced painting small historical
pieces. His most profitable employment, however, was
designing for painters and engraver ^ and his drawings
were by some preferred to his paintings. He etched several
of his own designs, and in particular, a series of twenty-two
small prints for the life of David, with which Giffart, a
bookseller at Pans, ornamented a French edition of the
Psalms published in 1713. Strutt notices also two engravings which he executed from his own designs, of great
taste, “The Death of Ananias and Sapphira,' and
” St.
Paul baptising the Eunuch." His private character was
excellent. He died in 1713, of an apoplexy, at his lodgings in the Piazza, CovenNgarden, and was buried in the
porch of St. Paul’s church in that parish. He had some
time before sold his drawings from Raphael, and his academy figures, to the earl of Derby, for a large sum of
money.
ctionTiaire œconomique,” of which we have an English translation by Bradley, 1725, 2 vols. folio. He was born at Paris towards the end of the seventeenth century, and
, a French physician, was
the son of Noel Chomel, an agriculturist, and the author of
the “DictionTiaire œconomique,
” of which we have an
English translation by Bradley, 1725, 2 vols. folio. He was
born at Paris towards the end of the seventeenth century,
and studied medicine at Montpellier, where he took his
degree of doctor, in 1708. Returning to his native city,
he was appointed physician and counsellor to the king.
The following year he published “Universal Medicince
Theoricse pars prima, seu Physiologia, ad usum scholae accommodata,
” Montpellier, Traite des Eaux Minerales, Baines et Douches de Vichi,
”
Memoirs
”
sent to the academy of sciences, and his “Defence of
Tournefort,
” published in the Journal des Savans, he published “Abrege de L'Histoire des Pi antes usuelles,
” Paris,
1712, 12mo. This was in 1715 increased to two, and in
1730, to three volumes in 12mo, and is esteemed an useful
manual. His son, John Baptiste Lewis, was educated also
at Paris, and took his degree of doctor in medicine in
1732. He was several years physician in ordinary to the
king, and in November 1754 was chosen dean of the
faculty. He died in 1765. He published in 1745, 1. “An
account of the disease then epidemic among cattle,
” and
boasts of great success in the cure, which was effected, he
says, by using setons, imbued with white hellebore. 2.
“Dissertation historique sur la Mai de Gorge Gangreneaux, qui a regne parmi les enfans, en 1748:
” the malignant sore throat, first treated of in this country by Dr.
Fothergill, about ten years later than this period. 3. “Essai historique sur la Medicine en France,
” Vie de M. Morin,
” and “Eloge historique
de M. Louis Duret,
”
, a celebrated French mathematician and academician, was born at Paris, May 13, 1713, and died May 17, 1765. His father,
, a celebrated French
mathematician and academician, was born at Paris, May 13,
1713, and died May 17, 1765. His father, a teacher of the
mathematics at Paris, who was his sole instructor, taught him
even the letters of the alphabet on the figures of Euclid’s
Elements, by which he was able to read and write at four
years of age, and by a similar stratagem calculations were
rendered familiar to him. At nine years of age he put
into his hands Guisnee’s “Application of Algebra to Geometry
” at ten he studied l'Hopital’s “Conic Sections;
”
and between twelve and thirteen, he read a memoir to the
academy of sciences, concerning four new geometrical
curves of his own invention. About the same time he laid
the first foundation of his work upon curves that have a
double curvature, which he finished in 1729, at sixteen
years of age. He was named adjoint-mechanician to the
academy in 1731, at the age of eighteen, associate in 1733,
and pensioner in 1738. During his connection with the
academy, he sent a great multitude of learned and ingenious communications to their Memoirs, from 1727,
almost every year, to 1762, and wrote several other works,
which he published separately, as, 1. “On Curves of a
Double Curvature,
” in Elements of Geometry,
” Theory of the Figure of the
Earth,
” Elements of Algebra,
” Tables of the Moon,
”
, an eminent French lawyer, was born at Paris June 10, 1687, and admitted a counsellor in 1706,
, an eminent French lawyer, was born at Paris June 10, 1687, and admitted a counsellor in 1706, in the grand council, where he acquired such reputation, that at the age of thirty, he was looked upon as one of the ablest canonists, and he now determined, with the advice of his friends and clients, to plead in the parliament. He was heard there with universal applause, and, from that time till his death, there was scarce any affair of importance at the palace but the public crowded to hear him, and returned convinced that M. Cochin possessed all the extraordinary talents which characterise a great orator. He was consulted from every part of the kingdom, and never ceased to serve the public by his assiduous and unremitted labours. He died at Paris, after several attacks of an apoplexy, February 24, 1747, aged 60. His works were published at Paris, 1751, and the following year, 6 vols. 4to, with his life. These, however, have not preserved his reputation undiminished; and M. la Cretelle, in along article on them in the French Mercure for April 1782, concludes with asserting that Cochin was an advocate of great merit, but a genius of the second order. This sen*tence, however, seems in some measure to proceed from an opinion that no man can be a genius who does not introduce novelties in his profession. France has unfortunately abounded of late years in such geniuses.
, son of the preceding artist, was born at Paris in 1715, and, assisted by the instructions of
, son of the preceding
artist, was born at Paris in 1715, and, assisted by the instructions of his father, and his mother Louise Madeleine
Hortemels, became an engraver of considerable celebrity.
In 1749, he travelled to Italy with the marquis de Marigny,
and after his return, was in 1752 made a member of the
royal academy of Paris, and, in the sequel, appointed secretary and historian to that society. In addition to these
honours, he was made a knight of the order of St. Michael,
and keeper of the king’s drawings. Of his works, then
extremely numerous, Mr. Jombert published a catalogue
in 1770. He died April 29, 1790, after having published
some works connected with his profession, as, 1. “Lettres
sur les Peintures d'Herculaneum,
” Dissertation sur l'effet de la lumiere et des ombres, relativement a la peinture,
” Voyage d‘ltalie,
ou Recueil d’ observations sur les ouvrages d‘architecture,
de peinture, et de sculpture, que l’on voit dans les principales villes d'ltalie,
” Lausanne, Les
Mysotechniques aux enfers,
” Lettres
sur les Vies de Slodz et de Deshays,
” Projet d'une salle de spectacle,
”
, marquis of Segnelai, one of the greatest statesmen that France ever had, was born at Paris in 1619, and descended from a family that lived
, marquis of Segnelai, one of the greatest statesmen that France ever had, was born at Paris in 1619, and descended from a family that lived at Rheirns in Champaigne, originally from Scotland (the Cuthberts), but at that time no way considerable for its splendour. His grandfather is said to have been a winejuerchant, and his father at first followed the same occupation but afterwards traded in cloth, and at last in silk. Our Colbert was instructed in the arts of merchandize, and afterwards became clerk to a notary. In 1648 his relation John Baptist Colbert, lord of S. Pouange, preferred him to the service of Michael le Tellier, secretary of state, whose sister he had married; and here he discovered such diligence and exactness in executing all the commissions that were entrusted to his care, that he quickly grew distinguished. One day his master sent him to cardinal Mazarine, who was then at Sedan, with a letter written by the queen mother; and ordered him to bring it back after that minister had seen it. Colbert carried the letter, and would not return without it, though the cardinal treated him roughly, used several arts to deceive him, and obliged him to wait for it several days. Some time after, the cardinal returning to court, and wanting one to write his agencte or memoranda, desired le Tellier to furnish him with a fit person for that employment; and Colbert being presented to him, the cardinal had some remembrance of him, and desired to know where he had seen him. Colbert was afraid of putting him in mind of Sedan, lest the remembrance of his behaviour in demanding the queen’s letter should renew his anger. But the cardinal was so far from disliking him for his faithfulness to his late master, that he received him on condition that he should serve him with the like zeal and fidelity.
, secretary and reader to the duke of Orleans, was born at Paris in 1709, and died in the same city Nov. 2, 1783,
, secretary and reader to the duke
of Orleans, was born at Paris in 1709, and died in the same
city Nov. 2, 1783, at the age of 75. In his character were
united a singular disposition to gaiety, and an uncommon
degree of sensibility; the death of a beloved wife accelerated his own. Without affecting the qualities of
beneficence and humanity, he was humane and beneficent.
Having a propensity to the drama from his infancy, he
cultivated it with success. His “Partie-de-Chasse de
Henri IV.
” (from which our “Miller of Mansfield
” is taken) exhibits a very faithful picture of that good king.
His comedy of “Dupuis and Desronais,
” in the manner of
Terence, may perhaps be destitute of the vis cornica; but
the sentiments are just, the characters well supported, and
the situations pathetic. Another comedy, entitled “Truth
in wine, or the Disasters of Gallantry,
” has more of satire and broad humour. There are several more pieces of
his, in which he paints, with no less liveliness than truth,
the manners of his time; but his pencil is frequently as
licentious as those manners. His talent at song-writing
procured him the appellation of the Anacreon of the age,
but here too he was deficient in delicacy. His song on
the capture of Portmahon was the means of procuring him
a pension from the court of 600 livres, perhaps the first
favour of the kind ever bestowed. He was one of the last
survivers of a society of wits who met under the name of
the Caveau, and is in as much honourable remembrance
as the Kit- K at club in London. This assembly, says a journalist, was of as much consequence to literature as an academy. Colle frequently used to regret those good old
times, when this constellation of wits were wont to meet
together, as men of letters, free and independent. The
works of this writer are collected in 3 volumes, 12mo,
under the title of " Theatre de SocieteY' Colle* was a
cousin of the poet Regnard, whom he likewise resembled
in his originality of genius.
, one of the members of the French academy, was born at Paris in 1598, and died in the same city February 10,
, one of the members of the
French academy, was born at Paris in 1598, and died in
the same city February 10, 1659, aged sixty-one, leaving
scarcely enough to bury him. Cardinal Richelieu appointed him one of the five authors whom he selected to
write for the theatre. Colletet alone composed “Cyminde,
”
and had a part in the two comedies, the “Blindman of
Smyrna,
” and the “Tuilleries.
” Reading the monologue
in this latter piece to the cardinal, he was so struck with
six bad lines in it, that he made him a present of 6uO
livres; saying at the same time, that this was only for the
six verses, which he found so beautiful, that the king was
not rich enough to recompense him for the rest. However, to shew his right as a patron, and at the same time
his judgment as a connoisseur, he insisted on the alteration of one word for another. Colletet refused to comply
with his criticism; and, not content with defending his
verse to the cardinal’s face, on returning home he wrote to
him on the subject. The cardinal had just read his letter,
when some courtiers came to compliment him on the success of the king’s arms, adding, that nothing could withstand his eminence!—“You are much mistaken,
” answered
he smiling; “for even at Paris I meet with persons who
withstand me.
” They asked who these insolent persons
could be? “It is Colletet,
” replied he; “for, after having
contended with me yesterday about a word, he will not
yet submit, as you may see here by this long letter he
has been writing to me.
” This obstinacy, however,
did not so far irritate the minister as to deprive the poet
of his patronage. Colletet had also other benefactors.
Harlay, archbishop of Paris, gave him a handsome reward
for his hymn on the immaculate conception; by sending
him an Apollo of solid silver. Colletet took for his second wife, Claudine his maid servant; and, in order to
justify his choice, published occasionally pieces of poetry
in her name; but, this little artifice being presently discovered, both the supposititious Sappho, and the inspirer
of her lays, became the objects of continual satire. This
marriage, in addition to two subsequent ones, to the losses
he suffered in the civil wars, and to his turn for dissipation, reduced him to the extreme of poverty. His works
appeared in 1653, in 12mo.
, chevalier de St. Lazare, member of a great number of academies, and a celebrated traveller, was born at Paris in 1701. He began his journey to the east very
, chevalier de
St. Lazare, member of a great number of academies, and
a celebrated traveller, was born at Paris in 1701. He began his journey to the east very young; and after having
coasted along the shores of Africa and Asia in the
Mediterranean, he was chosen, in 1736, to accompany M. Godin
to Peru, for the purpose of determining the figure of the
earth at the equator. The difficulties and dangers he surmounted in this expedition are almost incredible; and at
one time he had nearly perished by the imprudence of one
of his companions, M. Seniergues, whose arrogance had
so much irritated the inhabitants of New Cuenca, that they
rose tumultuously against the travellers; but, fortunately
for the rest, the offender was the only victim. On his return home, la Condamine visited Rome, where pope Benedict XIV. made him a present of his portrait, and granted
him a dispensation to marry one of his nieces, which he
accordingly did, at the age of fifty-five. By his great
equanimity of temper, and his lively and amiable disposition, he was the delight of all that knew him. Such was
his gaiety or thoughtlessness, that two days before his death
he made a couplet on the surgical operation that carried
him to the grave; and, after having recited this couplet to
a friend that came to see him, “You must now leave me,
”
added he, “1 have two letters to write to Spain; probably,
by next post it will be too late.
” La Condamine had the
art of pleasing the learned by the concern he shewed in
advancing their interests, and the ignorant by the talent of
persuading them that they understood what he said. Even
the men of fashion sought his company, as he was full of
anecdotes and singular observations, adapted to amuse their
frivolous curiosity. He was, however, himself apt to lay
too much stress on trifles; and his inquisitiveness, as is often
the case with travellers, betrayed him into imprudencies.
Eager after fame, he loved to multiply his correspondences
and intercourse; and there were few men of any note with
whom he had not intimacies or disputes, and scarcely any
journal in which he did not write. Replying to every critic, and flattered with every species of praise, he despised
no opinion of him, though given by the most contemptible
scribbler. Such, at least, is the picture of him, drawn by
the marquis de Condorcet in his eloge. Among his most
ingenious and valuable pieces are the following 1 “Distance of the tropics,
” London, Extract of observations made on a voyage to the river of the Amazons,
”
Brief relation of a voyage to the interior of
South America,
” 8vo. Journal of the voyage
jnade by order of the king to the equator; with the supplement,
” 2 vols. 4to. 1751, 1752. 5. On the
Inoculation of the Small-pox,“12mo, 1754. 6.
” A letter on Education,“8vo. 7.
” A second paper on the Inoculation of
the Small pox,“1759. 8.
” Travels through Italy,“1762,
12mo. These last three were translated and published
here. 9.
” Measure of the three first degrees of the meridian in the southern hemisphere,“1751, 4to. The style
of the different works of la Condamine is simple and negligent; but it is strewed with agreeable and lively strokes
that secure to him readers. Poetry was also one of the talents of our ingenious academician; his productions of this
sort were, <e Vers de societe,
” of the humorous kind, and
pieces of a loftier style, as the Dispute for the armour of
Achilles and others, translated from the Latin poets; the
Epistle from an old man, &c. He died the 4th of February 1774, in consequence of an operation for the cure
of a hernia, with which he had been afflicted.
, secretary of the French king’s council, was born at Paris 1603. The French Academy, to which he was perpetual
, secretary of the French king’s
council, was born at Paris 1603. The French Academy,
to which he was perpetual secretary, considers him as its
father and founder. It was in his house that this illustrious
society took its birth in 1629, and continued to assemble
till 1634; and he contributed much to render these meetings agreeable by his taste, his affability, and politeness.
He therefore deservedly still enjoys a degree of celebrity
in the republic of letters, though he does not rank among
eminent scholars, being unacquainted with Greek, and
knowing but little of Latin. He published some pieces
cf no great merit; as, 1. “Letters to Felibien,
” Paris,
A treatise on oratorical action,
” Paris,
Extracts from Martial,
” 2 vols. 12mo,
and a few other trifles. He died Sept. 23, 1675, at the
age of 72. Conrart managed his estate without avarice
and without prodigality. He was generous, obliging, and
constant in his friendships. He was in habits of intimacy
with the principal people in the several departments of the
government, who consulted him in the most important afiairs; and, as he had a complete knowledge of the world,
they found great resources in his judgment. He kept inviolably the secret of others, as well as his own. Being
brought up a protestant, he continued firm to his profession.
It is said that he revised the writings of the famous Claude,
before they went to press. Conrart was related to Godeau,
afterwards bishop of Vence, who, whenever he came to
town, lodged at his house: several men of letters came
there also, for the sake of conversing with the abbe: and
this was the first origin of the academy.
, a French historian, was born at Paris, of a noble family, originally of Auvergne, and
, a French historian, was
born at Paris, of a noble family, originally of Auvergne,
and having studied law, was admitted to the bar, which he
quitted for the philosophy of Descartes. Bossuet, who
was no less an admirer of that philosopher, procured him
the appointment of reader to the dauphin, which office he
filled with success and zeal, and died the 8th of October
1684, member of the French academy, at an advanced age.
We are indebted to his pen for, 1. “The general History of
France during the two first races of its kings,
” CEuvres de feu M. de Cordemoi.
”
They contain useful investigations, judicious thoughts,
and sensible reflections on the method of writing history.
He had adopted in philosophy, as we before observed, the
sentiments of Descartes, but without servility; he even
sometimes differs from them. In the latter part of his life,
he was assisted in his literary labours by his son Lewis, who
was born in 1651, and who became successively a licentiate
of Sorbonne, and an abbot in the diocese of Clermont.
He was a voluminous writer, chiefly on theological subjects; and was considered among the catholics as an able
advocate of their cause against the attacks of the defenders
of protestantism. He was, however, of considerable service to his father in the latter part-of his “General History
of France;
” and, it is believed, wrote the whole of that
part which extends from about the conclusion of the reign
of Lewis V. to the end of the work. By order of Lewis
XIV. he continued that history from the time of Hugh
Capet until the year 1660, which he did not live to finish.
He died at the age of seventy-one, in the year 1722.
in his satires, and by Moliere in his comedy of the “Femmes Savantes,” under the name of Trissotiu, was born at Paris, and has at least as good a title to a place in
, a member of the French academy,
so ill-treated by Boileau in his satires, and by Moliere in
his comedy of the “Femmes Savantes,
” under the name of
Trissotiu, was born at Paris, and has at least as good a title
to a place in this work, as some of Virgil’s military heroes
in the Æneid, who are celebrated purely for being knocked
on the head. It is said, that he drew upon him the indignation of Boileau and Moliere: of the former, because he
counselled him in a harsh and splenetic manner, to devote
his talents to a kind of poetry different from satire; of the
latter, because he had endeavoured to hurt him with the
duke de Montausier, by insinuating that Moliere designed
him in the person of the Misanthrope. Cotin, however,
was a man of learning, understood the learned languages,
particularly the Greek, Hebrew, and Syriac, was respected
in the best companies, where merit only could procure
admittance, and preached sixteen Lents, in the principal
pulpits of Paris. He died in that city in 1682, leaving
several works tolerably well written the principal are, K
“Theoclee, on la vraie Philosophie des principes du
monde.
” 2. “Traite de l'Ame immortelle.
” 3.
“Oraison funeb. pour Abel Servien.
” 4. “Reflexions
sur la conduite du roi Louis XIV. quand il prit le soin des
affaires par lui-meme.
” 5. “Salomon, ou la Politique
Royale.
” 6. “Poesies Chretiennes,
” CEuvres galantes,
” Femmes Savantes
” of Molitjre, was
really written by abbe Cbtin: he composed it for Madame de Nemours, and was reading it to that lady when
Menage entered, who disparaging the sonnet, the two
scholars abused each other, nearly in the same terms as
Trissotin and Vadius in Moliere.
, sieur de Sandras, was born at Paris in 1644. After having been captain in the regiment
, sieur de Sandras, was born
at Paris in 1644. After having been captain in the regiment of Champagne, he went over to Holland in 1683,
ivhere he wrote several works, published under different
names, and with opposite views. Among these are, I.
“The conduct of France since the peace of Nimeguen,
”
An answer to the foregoing,
” in
which he produces the arguments on the other side of the
question. 3. “The new interests of the Princes.
” 4.
“The Life of Coligni,
” Memoirs of Rochfort,
” 12mo. 6. “History of the Dutch War from the
year 1672 to 1677; a work which obliged him for some
time to quit the territories of the republic. 7.
” Political
Testament of Colbert,“12mo. The French clergy were
highly incensed against him, for relating in it an expression of Colbert, that
” the bishops of France were so much
devoted to the will of the king, that if he should think fit
to substitute the koran instead of the gospel, they would
readily subscribe to it.“8.
” Le grand Alcandre frustre,“or the last efforts of love and virtue. 9.
” The Memoirs“of John Baptist cle la Fontaine; those of Artagnan, 3 vols.
12mo; those of Montbrun, 12mo; those of the marchioness
Dufresne, 12mo; those of Bordeaux, 4 vols. 12mo; those
of Saint- Hilaire, 4 vols. 12mo. 10.
” Annals of Paris and
of the Court, for the years 1697 and 1698.“11.
” The
Life of the Vicomte Turenne,“12mo, published under the
name of Dubuisson. On his return to France in 1702, he
was shut up in the Bastille, where he was kept in a dungeon for nine years, or, as Moreri says, only three years.
Having obtained his liberty, he married a bookseller’s
widow, and died at Paris the 6th of May, 1712, at the age
of 68. He is also the author of, 12. Memoirs of Tyrconnel, composed from the verbal accounts of that nobleman,
a close prisoner, like him, in the bastille. 13.
” Historical and political Mercury,“&c. He, besides, left manuscripts sufficient in quantity to make 40 volumes in 12 mo.
” The Memoirs of Vortlac," 2 vols. I 2mo, are unjustly attributed to him but enough was avowed to give us but an
unfavourable opinion of his judgment or consistency.
g in his twentieth year, where he had already executed several pictures of great merit; his son, who was born at Paris in 1694, and to whom he left his name, his talents,
was admitted into the academy
of painting in his twentieth year, where he had already executed several pictures of great merit; his son, who was
born at Paris in 1694, and to whom he left his name, his
talents, his knowledge, and virtues, enjoyed the same good
fortune. in his 2ist year: he was first painter to the duke
of Orleans, and in 1747 to the king. Though his peronal qualities and endowments had already made him a
welcome guest with the princes and great men of the court,
yet this last appointment increased his reputation; and the
first use he made of his consequence, was to induce M. de
Tourathem, who had fortitude of mind sufficient for such a
sacrifice, to decline the title of a protector of the academy,
which hitherto had always been connected with the office
of superintendant of the buildings, in order that the academy of painting, like all the rest, might be under the
immediate protection of the king. He also erected a preparatory school, at Paris, for the y^ung pupils, who went
to Rome, where they studied history, and exercised themselves under able masters. To him likewise the public
were indebted for the exhibition of the pictures in the
Luxembourg gallery. Like all men of genius, he had his
enviers and rivals; but his rivals were his friends, his modesty drew them to him, and he never refused them his
esteem. His place as first painter to the king brought him
to court, and made him more intimately acquainted with
the queen and the dauphin. The queen often gave him,
work to do, which chiefly consisted in pictures of the saints
and other objects of devotion. On her return from Metz,
finding over her chimney a picture which he had privately
executed, representing France in the attitude of returning
thanks to heaven for the deliverance of the king, she was
so moved, that she exclaimed, “No one but my friend
Coypel is capable of such. a piece of gallantry!
” The
dauphin had frequently private conversations with him.
He himself executed the drawing for the last work of Coypel, the “Sultan in his seraglio.
” His table was always
strewed with the manuscripts of this artist, which he intended to publish at his own expence. The death of the
author prevented his design, and on hearing of the event,
the prince said publicly at supper: “I have in one year
lost three of my friends!
”
, son of the preceding, was born at Paris February 12, 1707, and died there April 12, 1777,
, son of
the preceding, was born at Paris February 12, 1707, and
died there April 12, 1777, at the age of 70. It is said that
his father being one day asked, in a large company, which
of his works he thought the best? “I don't know,
” answered he, “which is my best production; but this
(pointing to his son, who was present) is certainly my
worst.
” “It is,
” replied the son, with vivacity, “because
no Carthusian had a hand in it:
” alluding to the report,
that the best passages in his father’s tragedies had been
written by a Carthusian friar, who was his friend. His
father had gained his fame as a manly and nervous writer;
the son was remarkable for the ease, elegance, and caustic
malignity of his conversation and writings, and might be
surnamed the Petronius of France, as his father had been
characterised by that of the Æschylus. The abbe Boudot,
who lived on familiar terms with him, said to him one day
in reply to some of his jokes: “Hold thy tongue! Thy
father was a great man; but as for thee, thou art only a
great boy.
” “Crebiilon the father,
” says M. d'Alembert,
“paints in the blackest colours the crimes and wickedness
of man. The son draws, with a delicate and just pencil,
the refinements, the shades, and even the graces of our
vices; that seducing levity which renders the French what
is called amiable, but which does not signify worthy of being beloved; that restless activity, which makes them feel
ennui even in the midst of pleasure; that perversity of
principles, disguised, and as it were softened, by the mask
of received forms; in short, our manners, at once frivolous and corrupt, wherein the excess of depravity combines
with the excess of ridiculousness.
” This parallel is more
just than the opinion of L'Advocat, who says that the romances of Crebiilon are extremely interesting, because all
the sentiments are drawn from a sensible heart, but it is
plain that this “sensible heart
” is full of affectation, and
that the author describes more than he feels. However
this may be, Crebiilon never had any other post than that
of censor-royal. He is said to have lived with his father
as with a friend and a brother; and his marriage with an
English woman, whom Crebiilon the father did not approve, only produced a transient misunderstanding. The
principal works of the son are: 1. Letters from the marchioness to the count of ***, 1732, 2 vols. 12rno. 2. Tanzai and Neadarne“, 1734, 2 vols. 12mo. This romance,
abounding in satirical allusions and often unintelligible,
and which caused the author to be put into the bastille,
was more applauded than it deserved. 3.
” Les egarements du coeur & de Tesprit,“1736, three parts, 12mo.
4.
” The Sopha,“a moral tale, 1745, 1749, 2 vols. 12mo,
grossly immoral, as most of his works are. For this he Was
banished from Paris for some time. 5.
” Lettres
Atheniennes,“177I,4vols. 12mo. 6.
” Ah! que?i conte“1764,
8 parts, 12mo. 7.
” Les Heureux Orphelins,“1754, 2
vols. 12mo. 8.
” La Nuit & le Moment,“1755, 12mo.
9.
” Le hasard du coin du feu,“1763, 12mo. 10.
” Lettres de la duchesse de ***,' &c. 1768, 2 vols. 12mo.
11. “Lettres de la marquise de Pompadour,
” 12mo, an
epistolary romance, written in an easy and bold style; but
relates few particulars of the lady whose name it bears.
The whole of his works have been collected in 7 vols.
12mo, 1779.
, a very eminent French architect, was born at Paris in 1653, and in 1674 was commissioned by Colbert
, a very eminent French architect, was born at Paris in 1653, and in 1674 was commissioned by Colbert to go to Home with some other academicians, but in the voyage they had the misfortune to
be taken by a pirate and carried into Algiers, where they
remained for sixteen months, until redeemed by the king
of France’s orders. He then went with his companions ta
Rome, where he applied with singular assiduity to the
survey of the ancient buildings of that metropolis. He informs us, that when he undertook to measure the antiquities
of Rome, his chief intention was, to learn which of the
authors jn most esteem ought to be followed, as having
given the most accurate measures; but he soon found reason
to be convinced that they were all extremely defective in
point of precision. This fault, however, he candidly imputes not to those authors themselves, but to the workmen
who had been employed in their service. To prevent his
being led into the same errors, he took the measures of all
the ancient structures exactly, with his own hands, and
repeated the whole several times, that be might arrive at
an absolute certainty; ^causing such of the buildings as
were under ground to be cleared, and erecting 'adders and
other machines to get at those which were elevated. When,
he returned to Paris he communicated his drawings to the
members of the royal academy of architecture, and Colbert recommended them to the king, who caused them to
be published at his own expence, in a splendid folio volume, 1682, and allotted all the profits to the author.
The plates of this work remained in the family of a connoisseur until 1779, when they were purchased of his heirs
for a new edition; but before this, in 1771, Mr. Marshal
published a splendid edition at London, with the descriptions in French and English. In 1776 “Le Lois des Batimens
” was printed from his manuscripts. In
, an eminent French architect, was born at Paris, Nov. 9, 1729. He was educated by one of his uncles,
, an eminent French architect,
was born at Paris, Nov. 9, 1729. He was educated by one
of his uncles, and from his earliest infancy discovered an.
unconquerable partiality for the study and practice of architecture, in which he afterwards became a great proficient. His chief master was Lejay, who at this period
had just established a new school of the profession, and
recovered it from the contempt in which it had been held
from the age of Lewis XIV. In 1752 Dewailly obtained
the chief architectural prize, and the privilege of studying
at Rome for three years, at the expence of the nation.
Upon this success, his biographer notices an action truly
generous and laudable in the mind of an emulous young
man. The student to whom the second prize was decreed,
and whose name was Moreau, appeared extremely sorrowful. Dewailly interrogated him upon the subject of his
chagrin; and learning that it proceeded from his having
lost the opportunity of prosecuting his profession in Italy,
he flew to the president of the architectural committee, and
earnestly solicited permission that his unfortunate rival
might be allowed to travel to Rome as well as himself. On
an objection being adduced from the established rules
“Well, well,
” replied he, “I yet know a mode of reconciling every thing. I am myself allotted three years; of
these I can dispose as I like; I give eighteen months of
them to Moreau.
” This generous sacrifice was accepted;
and Dewailly was amply rewarded by the public esteem
which accompanied the transaction. In most of the modern buildings of taste and magnificence in his own country,
Dewailly was a party employed, and many of his designs
are engraven in the Encyclopedic and in Laborde’s Description of France. He was a member of the academy of
painting, as well as that of architecture; in the latter of
which he was at once admitted into the higher class, without having, as is customary, passed through the inferior.
Of the national institute he was a member from its establishment. He died in 1799, having been spared the
affliction of beholding one of his most exquisite pieces of
workmanship, the magnificent hall of the Odeon, destroyed
by fire, a catastrophe which occurred but a short time after
his demise.
, a French naturalist and biographer, was born at Paris in the beginning of the last century. He was the
, a
French naturalist and biographer, was born at Paris in the
beginning of the last century. He was the son of a bookseller of Paris, and was educated in his native city, but a
considerable time after this he spent in foreign countries,
particularly in Italy, where he formed a taste for the fine
arts. He became acquainted with men of science in various parts of Europe, and was elected in 1750 member
of the royal society in London, and of the academy of
sciences at Montpelier. He wrote some considerable articles, particularly those of gardening and hydrography,
in the French Encyclopaedia; and in 1747 he published,
in quarto, “La Theorie et la Pratique du Jardinage;
”
and in Conchyliologie, ou Traite sur la nature des
Coquillages,
” 2 vols. 4to, reprinted 1757, and accounted
his most valuable work. His arrangement is made from
the external form of shells, according to which he classes
them as univalve, bivalve, and multivalve; he then divides
them again into shells of the sea, of fresh water, and of
the lands. He also gave an account of the several genera of animals that inhabit shells. He published also
“L'Orycthologie ou Traite des pierres, des mineraux,
des metaux et autres Fossiles,
” Abreg6 de la
Vie de quelques Peintres celebres,
” 3 vols. 4to, and 4 vols.
8vo, a work of great labour and taste, although not absolutely free from errors. He practised engraving sometimes
himself. He died at Paris in 1766; and his son continued
the biography began by the father by the addition of two
volumes, containing the lives of architects and sculptors.
deserves a more satisfactory article than the French biographers have as yet enabled us to give him, was born at Paris in 1730, and was the son of a printer and bookseller,
, an eminent French printer,
who deserves a more satisfactory article than the French
biographers have as yet enabled us to give him, was born
at Paris in 1730, and was the son of a printer and bookseller, who provided him with an excellent classical education before he introduced him into business. Full of
enthusiasm for the advancement of the art of printing,
young Didot determined to rival those celebrated printers,
Joachim Ibarra of Spain, and Baskerville of England, and
lived to surpass both. He soon brought his press to a state
of excellence unattained by any of his contemporaries;
and extended his skill to every branch connected with it.
Among the number of improvements perfected by his
exertions, is the construction of mills for making fine
paper, which he assisted not only by his zeal and activity,
but by pecuniary contribution. He also invented a press
by which the workman is enabled to print, equally and at
once the whole extent of a sheet; and he was the inventor of
many other machines and instruments now commonly used
in printing offices, all which have powerfully contributed
to the modern advancement of the typographical art. The
elegant editions of the classics published by order of Louis
XIV. for the education of the Dauphin, were the production of the Didots 1 press, as well as the collection of romances called the D'Artois, in 64 vols. 18mo; the Theatrical Selections by Corneille, the works of Racine, Telemachus, Tasso’s Jerusalem, two superb Bibles, and a
multiplicity of other inestimable works, each of which, on
its publication, seemed to make nearer approaches to perfection. Didot sedulously endeavoured to unite in his
family every talent auxiliary to the printing art; one of his
sons became a celebrated type-founder; and the voice of
fame announces the superior rank which they both deservedly hold among the printers of the age. The fond
father delighted to observe that he was excelled by his
children; while they dutifully ascribed their success to the
force of his instruction, and the benefit of his example.
The life of JDidot was the life of honour; his abilities were
universally known and respected; and the following anecdote will prove the goodness of his heart: in one of his
journeys to the paper mills of Anonay, he met an artist
who had introduced in France an improvement in the application of cylinders, &c. and believing that his ingenuity
merited reward, exerted all his interest with government;
but unfortunately, when he was on the point of succeeding,
the artist died, leaving two girls in the helpless state of
infancy. Didot took the orphans in his arms, proclaimed
himself their father, and kept his word. At the age of
seventy-three, Didot read over five times, and carefully
corrected, before it was sent to the press, every sheet of
the stereotype edition of Montague, printed by his sons.
At four o'clock in the morning he was pursuing this fatiguing occupation. The correctness of the text will therefore render this work particularly valuable among the productions of the modern press. About eighteen months
previous to his death, he projected an alphabetical index
of every subject treated upon in Montague’s Essays. He
had collected all his materials, at which he laboured unceasingly; and perhaps too strict an application to this
favourite study accelerated the death of this eminent artist
and benevolent man, which took place July 10, 1804.
His business is still successfully carried on by his sons,
Peter and Firmia Didot. The reputation of the elder
Didot was much assisted by the labours of his brother,
Peter Francis, who died in 1795, and to whom we owe
the beautiful editions of Thomas a Kempis, fol. of Telemachus, 4to the “Tableau de l'empire Ottoman,
” &c.
, an eminent French surgeon and writer, was born at Paris, and became surgeon in ordinary to Maria Teresa
, an eminent French surgeon and writer, was born at Paris, and became surgeon in ordinary to
Maria Teresa of Austria, queen of France, and to the
dauphinesses and the royal family. These honours were
bestowed in consequence of the fame which he acquired as
lecturer in surgery and anatomy in the royal gardens at
Paris, an office founded by Louis XIV. He retained this
and his other offices with increasing reputation, until his
death, Dec. 11, 1718. His first publication was “Histoire
anatomique d'une matrice extraordinaire,
” Anatomic de l'homme suivant la circulation
du sang, et les nouvelles decouvertes,
” 8vo, an useful epitome, containing all that was then known on the subject.
It was well received, frequently reprinted, and was translated in 1718, into the Tartar language, by order of
Cam-hi, the emperor of China, for the benefit of his subjects. His next work, which first appeared in 1707, was
“Cours d'Operations de Chirurgie demontree, au Jardin
Royal de Paris,
” 8vo. This has been reprinted still more
frequently than the former work, and has been translated
into nearly all the modern languages. Heister gave an
edition of it in Latin, with notes, and it still retains a certain degree of credit. In 1709, he gave “Dissertation sur
la mort subite, avec l‘histoire d’une fille cataleptique,
”
12mo; and in Traite general des Accouchmens,
”
8vo. This also has been translated into most modern languages, though it contains little more than an abridgment
of the practice of Mauriceau, and is now almost entirely
unnoticed.
, one of the first French astronomers of the last century, was born at Paris Jan. 11, 1734, and appears to have been educated
, one of the
first French astronomers of the last century, was born at
Paris Jan. 11, 1734, and appears to have been educated to
the profession of the law, as he became a counsellor of
parliament; but his fame is more solidly“established on his
astronomical pursuits. In the former capacity, however,
he was appointed a deputy from the noblesse of Paris as
one of their representatives in the constituent assembly.
His conduct here appears to have been moderate, and even
praiseworthy, as he incurred the displeasure of the succession of tyrants who ruined their country, and was obliged
to escape to some secure place of retirement, where he
died in August 1794. During his more prosperous career, he was chosen a member of the royal societies of
London (in 1775) and of Stockholm and Gottingen, and
contributed many papers to Memoirs of the academy of
sciences at Paris, of which he was also a member. His
principal works, all of high value, are, 1.
” Traite des
courbes algebraiques,“1756, 12mo. 2.
” Methode
generale et directe pour resoudre les problemes relatifs aux
eclipses,“read in the academy. 3.
” Recherches sur la
gnomonique et les retrogradations des Planetes,“1761,
8vo. 4.
” Traite“analytique des mouvemens apparens des
corps celestes,
” Essai sur les
Cometes en general, et en particulier sur celles qui peuvent approcher de l'orbite de la terre,
” 17“-
”, svo; a work,
says its reviewer, which deserves undoubtedly to be placed
among astronomical productions of the first rank, and in
which the learned author has omitted nothing that has the
least relation towards the general theory of comets. Accordingly the commissaries, who were appointed by the
royal academy of sciences at Paris to examine this work,
declared that it contained the most complete theory of
comets hitherto given. 6. “Essai sur les phenomenes relatifs aux disparitions periodiques del'anneaude Saturne,
”
, an historical painter, the son of the preceding, was born at Paris, in 1654, and was taught the rudiments of the
, an historical painter, the son of the preceding, was born at Paris, in 1654, and was taught the rudiments of the art by his father till he was ten years of age; when, being deprived of his instructor, by the death of his parent, he became a disciple of Le Brun. la that school he made a considerable progress; but being disappointed in his expectation of obtaining the first prize at the academy, he travelled to Italy, and studied for several years at Rome, Venice, and Verona. He is highly commended by the French writers for quick conception, lively colouring, and a spirited pencil; yet they acknowledge that a sketch for a cieling which he produced at Paris, representing the Fall of Phaeton, was so much discommended by Rigaud, Largilliere, and others, that in great disgust he returned to Verona, where he ended his days. His principal work is the dome of the great church at Trent. He died at Verona in 1742.
, the third son of the preceding, was born at Paris in 1633, and after studying some years at Saumur,
, the third son of the preceding, was born at Paris in 1633, and after studying
some years at Saumur, he went to Montpellier, where he
completed his medical course, and took his doctor’s degree. He afterwards attended the marshal Turenne in
his campaigns, and was by him appointed physician to the
army. The skill and ability he had shewn in this situation,
occasioned his being nominated to succeed Vander Linden,
in 168S, as professor of medicine at Leyden, whither he
obtained permission to go, though he had been made, several years before, one of the physicians to Lewis the
Fourteenth. Two years after, he was advanced to the chair
of anatomy in the same university. He was also made
physician to William, prince of Orange, and to his princess,
Mary. As rector of the university of Leyden, he spoke
the congratulatory oration to the prince and princess, on
their accession to the throne of England. He continued
to hold his professorships, the offices of which he filled
so as to give universal satisfaction, to the time of his
death, which happened on the last day of May, 1697.
He was a voluminous and learned writer; his works, which
were much read in his time, and passed through several
editions, were collected and published together in 1671,
and again in 1680, in 4 vols. 12mo. But the most complete edition of them is that published at the Hague, in
1727, in 4to. In one of his orations he has been careful
to exculpate professors of medicine from the charge of impiety, so frequently thrown upon them. “Oratio Doctoralis Monspessula, qufi Medicos Dei operum consideratione atque contemplatione permotos, caeteris hominibus
Religioni astrictiores esse demons tratur: atque adeo impietatis crimen in ipsos jactatum diluitur.
” He also, in
his “Apologia Medica,
” refutes the idea of physicians
having been banished from, and not allowed to settle in
Rome for the space of six hundred years. He was a lover
of Greek literature, and like his countryman, Guy Patin,
an enemy to the introduction of chemical preparations into
medicine, which were much used in his time. He was
also a strong opponent to his colleague Sylvius Bayle
has given him a high character. As a man he describes
him benevolent, friendly, pious, and charitable; as a
scholar, versed in the Greek and Latin tongues, and in all
polite literature in as high a degree as if he had never applied himself to any thing else; as a professor of physic,
clear and exact in his method of reading lectures, and of
a skill in anatomy universally admired; as an author, one
whose writings are of an original and inimitable characier.
, a learned French lady, was born at Paris, and instructed from her earliest infancy in the
, a learned French lady, was born at
Paris, and instructed from her earliest infancy in the belles
lettres. She was married very young; but scarcely had
she attained the age of seventeen, when her husband was
killed in Germany at the head of a company he commanded.
She took advantage of the liberty her widowhood gave her,
to apply her mind to study, particularly that of astronomy,
and published, in 1680, at Paris, a quarto volume, under
the title of “Discourses of Copernicus touching the Mobility of the Earth, by Mad. Jeanne Dtimee of Paris.
” She
explains with clearness the three motions attributed to the
enrth and exhibits the arguments that establish or militate
against the system of Corpernicus with impartiality.
he same names, descended of a noble family in Normandy, by Mary Vitart, of a family in Champagne. He was born at Paris, June 17, 1657, and after being instructed in
, an eminent ecclesiastical historian of the last century, was the son of a father of the
same names, descended of a noble family in Normandy,
by Mary Vitart, of a family in Champagne. He was born
at Paris, June 17, 1657, and after being instructed in the
rudiments of grammar by his father, and private tutors,
was entered, at the age of ten, of the college of Harcourt,
where, under professor Lair, he imbibed that thirst for general knowledge which he indulged during the whole of
his studious life. In 1672 he was admitted to the degree of
master of arts. Having made choice of the church as a
profession, he went through the usual course of studies at
the Soi bonne, and employed much of his time in perusing
the fathers and ecclesiastical historians, but had no other
view in this than to gratify his curiosity, while preparing
himself for his licentiateship in divinity, which he was then
too young to obtain. In 1680, he took the degree of
bachelor of divinity, and in July 16S4, that of doctor. He
soon after undertook to publish the work which has made
him most known, his Universal Library of Ecclesiastical
Writers, containing their lives, and a catalogue, critical
account, and analysis of their works: a design of vast extent, which might have done credit to the labours of a society, yet was successfully accomplished by an individual,
who was not only interrupted by professional duties, but
wrote and published a great many other works. The first
volume of his “Bibliotheque
” was printed at Paris, containing several propositions that
are false, rash, scandalous, capable of offending pious ears,
tending to weaken the arguments, xvhich are brought from
tradition to prove the authority of the canonical books of
holy scripture, and of several other articles of faith, injurious to general councils, to the holy apostolic see, and to
the fathers of the church; erroneous, and leading to heresy.
”
This sentence upon the work, however, will prove its
highest recommendation to the protestant reader, who will
probably, as he may very justly infer, that it means no
more than that Dupin was too impartial and candid for his
judges. With the above decree was published Dupin’s
retractation, both of which were translated and printed at
London in 1703, folio, by William Wotton, B. D. who
observes that in Dupin’s retractation, “dread of farther
mischief seems to be far more visible, in almost every article, than real conviction arising from an inward sense of
the author’s having been in an error; at least, that it is so
written, as to have that appearance.
” Dupin, however,
went on with his work, and by some means obtained a permission to print, with some small alteration in the title,
from “Bibliotheque universelle
” to “Bibliotheque nouvelle,
”
and the addition of the ecclesiastical history to the ecclesiastical biography. He thus went on, concluding with
the beginning of the eighteenth century, the whole making
47 vols. 8vo, which were reprinted at Amsterdam, in 19
vols. 4to; but as most of these volumes were printed from
the first editions, this edition is imperfect. It was also
begun to be translated into Lathy, and the first three volumes printed at Amsterdam; but no farther progress was
made. Monsieur Dupin was engaged at his death in a
Latin translation, to which he intended to make considerable additions. This Bibliotheque was likewise translated
into English, and printed at London in several volumes in
folio, usually bound in seven. A much finer edition was
printed in 3 vols. folio, by Grierson of Dublin. The
translation appears to have been executed partly by Digby
Cotes, and revised by Wotton. Dupin’s Bibliotheque was
attacked by M.Simon in a book printed at Paris in 1730,
in four volumes 8vo, under the following title “Critique
cle la Bibliotheque des Auteurs Ecclesiastiques & de Prolegomenes de la Bible publiez par M. Elies Dupin. Avec
des eclaircissemens & des supplemens aux endroits, ou
on les a juge necessaires, par feu M. Richard Simon, avec
des remarques.
” Simon has pointed out a considerable
number of errors in Dupin, but when all deductions of this
kind are made, it must be allowed that we have no book
more generally valuable as a repository of ecclesiastical
history and biography, making allowance for the author’s
attachment to the principles of his church.
, marshal of France, and minister of state, was born at Paris, July 1, 1695, the son of François Michel le Tellier
, marshal of France,
and minister of state, was born at Paris, July 1, 1695, the
son of François Michel le Tellier de Courtanvaux, captaincolonel of the Cent-Suisses, son of the marquis de Louvois
and Marie Anne Catherine d‘Estrees, daughter of John
count d’Estrees, vice-admiral and marshal of France. He
first bore arms in the short war which the duke of Orleans,
regent, declared against Spain, and served under the command of the marechal de Berwick. Having attained by his
services the rank of field-marshal and inspector- general of
cavalry, he signalized himself in the war of 1741. The
blockade of Egra, the passage of the Meine at Selingstadt, the battle of Fontenoi, the siege of Mons, that of
Charleroi, &c. were among the exploits in which he was
concerned. He had the greatest share in the victory of
Laufeldt; and marshal Saxe, an excellent judge of military merit, trusted him on various occasions with the most
critical manoeuvres. On the breaking out of the war in
1756, Louis XV. who had promoted him to the rank of
marshal of France, Feb. 24, 1757, appointed him to the
command of the army in Germany, consisting of upwards
of 100,000 men. He set out in the beginning of spring,
after having shewn the monarch the plan of operations.
“At the beginning of July,
” said he, “I shall have pushed
the enemy beyond the Weser, and shall be ready to penetrate into the electorate of Hanover;
” and, not content
with effecting this, he gave battle to the duke of Cumberland at Hastembeck, the 26th of July; after this, he was
replaced by marshal Richelieu, who profited by the advantages that had been gained, to obtain the capitulation
of Closterseven, by which the Hanoverians engaged to remain neuter during the rest of the war. Marshal d‘Estrees,
recalled by intrigues at court, and sent to Giessen, after
the battle of Minden, took no share in the command, but
contented himself with giving useful advice to M. de Contades. He obtained the brevet of duke in 1763, and he
died the 2d of January, 1771, at the age of seventy-six.
Marshal d’Estrees left no children.
, a French comic writer of some eminence within the last century, was born at Paris in 1702. He was son of a clerk in a public office
, a French comic
writer of some eminence within the last century, was born
at Paris in 1702. He was son of a clerk in a public office
at Paris, in which he also obtained an appointment that
gave him little trouble, and left him leisure for literary
occupations. He wrote for several of the French theatres,
and his works were collected into four volumes, 12mo,1760.
The general character of his comedies is a delicate and
natural liveliness. The most approved of them were, “The
Rendezvous,
” and “The Ward.
” In his own character,
as well as in talents, he was not unlike la Fontaine, indolent, averse to business, negligent of his appearance, absent, timid, and by no means likely to be taken by a
stranger for a man of genius. He died April 28, 1755, at
the age of fifty-three.
, an eminent French physician in the reign of Louis XIV. was born at Paris, May 11, 1638. He was the son of Henry Fagon,
, an eminent French physician in the reign of Louis XIV. was born at Paris, May
11, 1638. He was the son of Henry Fagon, commissioner
in ordinary of war, and of Louisa de la Brosse, niece of
Guy de la Brosse, physician in ordinary to Louis XIII.
and grandson of a physician in ordinary to Henry IV. He
studied first in the Sorbonne, under M. Gillot, an eminent
doctor, with whom he resided as student, and who persuaded him to chuse the medical profession. M. Fagon
never forgot M. Gillot in his highest prosperity; but, if he
met him in the street, alighted from his coach, and conducted him to the house where he was going. This young
physician had scarcely begun to dispute, when he ventured
to maintain, in a thesis, the circulation of the blood, which
was at that time held as a paradox among the old doctors;
and also another on the use of tobacco, published long
afterwards; “An frequens Nicotian ye usus vitam
abbreviet,
” Paris, 1699, 4to. He took his doctor’s degree 1664,
M. Vallot wishing to repair and replenish the royal garden,
M. Fagon offered his services; and going, at his own
expence, to Auvergne, Languedoc, Provence, the Alps,
and the Pyrenees, returned with an ample collection of
curious and useful plants. He had the principal share in
the catalogue of the plants in that garden, puhlished 1665,
entitled “Hortus Regius,
” to which he prefixed a little
Latin poem of his own. M. Fagon was made professor of
botany and chemistry at the royal garden, and began to
have the plants engraved; but there are only forty -five
plates finished, which are very scarce. The king appointed
bim first physician to the dauphiness in 1680, and to the
queen some months after. In 1693 he was made first physician to the king, and superintendant of the royal garden
in 1698, to which he retired after the king’s death, and,
for the improvement of which, he persuaded Louis XIV.
to send M. de Tournfort into Greece, Asia, and Egypt,
which produced the scientific voyage so well known to the
learned world. Fagon died March 11, 1718, aged near
eighty. The academy of sciences had chosen him an
honorary member in 1699. He left “Les Qualités du
Quinquina,
” Paris,
liest and most obscure parts of the history of his country, obtained him more celebrity than profit, was born at Paris in 1529. Having gone to Italy with cardinal de
, a French antiquary of great fame,
whose laborious researches into the earliest and most obscure parts of the history of his country, obtained him more
celebrity than profit, was born at Paris in 1529. Having
gone to Italy with cardinal de Tournon, his eminence often
sent him with dispatches to the French court, which served
to introduce him there with advantage, and procured him
the place of first president of the Cour des Monnoies; and
he is said by some to have obtained a pension from Henry
IV. with the title of historiographer. He died in 1601,
overwhelmed with debts. His works were collected in 4to
at Paris, in 1610. The principal of them are, 1. His
“Gaulish and French antiquities,
” the first part of which
treats chiefly of matters anterior to the arrival of the Franks,
the second is extended to Hugh Capet. 2. “A treatise
on the Liberties of the Gallican church.
” 3. “On the
origin of knights, armorial bearings, and heralds.
” 4.
“Origin of dignities and magistracies in France.
” All
these contain much curious matter, not to be found elsewhere, but are written in a harsh, incorrect, and tedious
style. Saxius mentions an edition of his works printed at
Paris in 1710, 2 vols. 4to, which we conceive to be a mistake for 1610. It is said, that the pei'usal of his French
Antiquities gave Louis XIII. an invincible distaste to reading.
, or Nicolaus Faber, a very ingenious, learned, and pious man, was born at Paris, June 2, 1544, or according to Perrault, July
, or Nicolaus Faber, a very ingenious, learned, and pious man, was born at Paris, June 2, 1544, or according to Perrault, July 4, 1543; and liberally educated by his mother, his father dying in his infancy. During the course of his studies, as he was cutting a pen, a piece of the quill flew into his eye, and gave him such excessive pain, that hastily lifting up his hand to it, he struck it out with the knife. Having finished his application to the languages, he was sent to study the civil law at Tholouse, Padua, and Bologna. He did not come back till he had travelled through Italy: and he resided eighteen months in Rome, about 1571, where he cultivated a friendship with Sigonius, Muretus, and other learned men. He there acquired his taste for the investigation of antiquities, and brought away with him many curiosities. Upon hi$ return to France, he applied himself wholly to letters, and would hear no mention of marriage. His mother and brother dying in 1581, he lived with Peter Pithoeus, with whom he was very intimate; and having no occupation but study, he employed himself in reading the ancients, in correcting them by Mss. of which he had a great number in his own library, and in writing notes upon them. He laboured particularly on Seneca the rhetorician, whom he published in 1587, with a learned preface and notes, an. edition which we do not find mentioned by Dibdin oc Clarke. He applied himself also to studies of a different kind, to the mathematics particularly; in which he succeeded so well, that he discovered immediately the defect in Scaliger’s demonstration of the quadrature of the circle. When Henry the Fourth of France became at length the peaceable possessor of the crown, he appointed Faber preceptor to the prince of Conde. During this important trust, he found time to labour upon some considerable works; and composed that fine preface to the fragments of Hilary, in which he discovered so many important facts relating to the history of Arianism, not known before. After the death of Henry IV. he was chosen, by the queen, preceptor to Louis XIII. He died in 1611, or according to Perrault, Nov. 4, 1612.
, a French clergyman of the Jansenist party, was born at Paris in 1616, and studied in the college of the Sorbonne,
, a French clergyman of the
Jansenist party, was born at Paris in 1616, and studied in
the college of the Sorbonne, where he obtained the esteem
of persons of all ranks. In 164,5, he was engaged by M.
de Bellegarde, archbishop of Sens, to deliver a course of
instructions to the candidates for holy orders in his diocese.
He obtained some preferment in the church, and composed several useful books, among which was one entitled
“A Catechism on Grace 3
” which was afterwards reprinted
with the title of “Illustrations of certain difficulties respecting Grace.
” This work was condemned by a decree
of the inquisition at Home, which M. Fouquet, attorneygeneral of the parliament at Paris, would not permit to
be promulgated in that city. In 1656, M. Feydeau was
one of the seventy-two doctors who were expelled by the
faculty of the Sorbonne for refusing to subscribe to the
condemnation of M. Arnauld; and on this account he was
obliged to relinquish his preferments. After this, for several years, he lived chiefly in retirement, and produced
his “Reflections on the History and Harmony of the Gospels,
” in 2 vols. 12mo; a work which has gone through
several editions. In 1665, he was presented by the bishop of Aleth with a prebend in his diocese, which he resigned in 1668, in order to undertake the cure of Vitri le
Francois, in Champagne, which after seven years he was
obliged to give up, in consequence of the persecutions with
which his party was harassed. He was banished to Bourges,
in 1677; and afterwards was sent to Annonai in the Virares, where he died July 24, 1694. He published many
works besides those above-mentioned, and left behind him
many others that have not yet appeared, particularly memoirs of himself, as far as 1678, and many letters. A long
Latin epitaph, engraved on his tomb, which is preserved
by Moreri, was written by a religious of the Celestine
order.
, a French Jesuit, was born at Paris in 1683, and entered on his noviciate in the order
, a French Jesuit, was
born at Paris in 1683, and entered on his noviciate in the
order whcn he was fifteen years of age. Having completed his initiatory studies, he was employed some time
to furnish extracts and remarks on books relating to religion and ecclesiastical history in the “Journal de Trevoux.
” He was engaged for some years in collecting materials for writing a history of the popes, in which, however, he made but small progress; and what he left was
too imperfect for publication. Having a turn for polite
literature, he published various small poems in the collections of the day. His talents and learning pointed him
out as a fit person for rector of the Jesuits’ college at Orleans, win-re he continued till 1735, when he was recalled
to Paris, and appointed to continue Longueval’s “History of the Gallican church,
” of which he wrote the 9th,
10th, and part of the 11th volumes. He was then interrupted by a paralytic stroke, and died at the college La
Fleche, in 1742, in the fifty-sixth year of his age.
, nephew of the former, and also the son of a goldsmith, was born at Paris in 1658. He became lord of Aubigny by purchasing
, nephew of the former, and
also the son of a goldsmith, was born at Paris in 1658.
He became lord of Aubigny by purchasing the lands to
which that title was attached. He was successively secretary to the marquis de Crequi, and the duke d'Aumont.
When the former of these noblemen was slain at the battle
of Luzara, La Fosse was employed to carry his heart to
Paris, and celebrated the death of the young hero in verses
which are still extant. He was so much a master of Italian
as to write skilfully in that language both in prose and
verse, but his chief fame as a poet was atchieved in his
own language, in which he wrote several tragedies, and
many other poems. His ft Polixene, Manlius, and Theseus,“published in his
” Theatre,“2 vols. 12mo, maintained their station in the French theatre till the revolution; and all his dramas are said to abound with passages
which would not disgrace the finest tragic writers of France.
His versification was highly finished, and he said that the
expression cost him more than the thoughts. His
” Manlius," the best of his pieces, has been pronounced in many
respects worthy of Corneille; yet even in France, we are
told, he is less known than he deserves. He was intimate
with the poet J. Baptiste Rousseau, and lived the life of a
philosopher, preferring letters to fortune, and friendship
to every thing. He died Nov. 2, 1708, at the age of
fifty. His modesty was equal to his genius; and when any
of his pieces were less successful than others, he professed
constantly that he never appealed from the judgment of
the public.
, a learned Frenchman, and member of the academy of sciences, was born at Paris Oct. 10, 1732. He was the nephew of the celebrated
,
a learned Frenchman, and member of the academy of
sciences, was born at Paris Oct. 10, 1732. He was the
nephew of the celebrated Duhamel, and acquired a similar
taste for those studies that end in objects of real utility. He
travelled over Anjou and Brittany to investigate the nature
of the slate-quarries, and then went to Naples to make observations on the alum mines and other natural productions.
On his return he had the misfortune to lose his tutor and
uncle Duhamel, to whose estate he succeeded, and on
which he carried on very extensive agricultural improvements and experiments, and acquired by his amiable private character the esteem of every one who knew him.
He died Dec. 28, 1789, leaving the following valuable
publications: 1. “Memoires sur la formation de$ Os,
”
L‘art de l’Ardoisier,
” L'art de
travailler les cuirs dorés.
” 4. “L'art de Tonnelier,
”
L'art de Coutelier.
” All these form part of
the Memoirs of the Academy of Sciences. 6. “Recherches
sur les ruines d'Herculaneum, et sur les lumieres qui
peuvent en resulter; avec un traite
” sur la fabrication des
mosaiques,“1769, 8vo. 7.
” Observations faites sur les
cotes de Normaudie," 1773, 4to. He was the author also
of a great number of miscellaneous papers in the Memoirs
of the Academy.
, an eminent French chemist, was born at Paris June 15, 1755, where his father was an apothecary,
, an eminent French
chemist, was born at Paris June 15, 1755, where his father was an apothecary, of the same family with the subject of the succeeding article. In his ninth year he was
sent to the college of Harcourt, and at fourteen he completed the studies which were at that time thought necessary. Having an early attachment to music and lively
poetry, he attempted to write for the theatre, and had no
higher ambition than to become a player, but the bad
success of one of his friends who had encouraged this taste,
cured him of it, and for two years he directed his attention to commerce. At the end of this time an intimate
friend of his father persuaded him to study medicine, and
accordingly he devoted his talents to anatomy, botany,
chemistry, and natural history. About two years after, in.
1776, he published a translation of Ramazzini, “on the
diseases of artisans,
” which he enriched with notes and
illustrations derived from chemical theories which were
then quite new. In 1780, he received the degree of
M. D. and regent of that faculty, in spite of a very considerable opposition from his brethren, and from this time
his chemical opinions and discoveries rendered him universally known and respected. The fertility of his imagination, joined to a style equally easy and elegant, with
great precision, attracted the attention of a numerous
school. In 1784, on the death of Macquer, he obtained
the professorship of chemistry in the Royal Gardens, and
the year following he was admitted into the academy of
sciences, of the section of anatomy, but was afterwards
admitted to that of chemistry, for which he was more eminently qualified. In 1787, he in conjunction with his
countrymen De Morveau, Lavoisier, and Berthollet, proposed the new chemical nomenclature, which after some
opposition, effected a revolution in chemical studies.
(See Lavoisier.) Although constantly occupied in scientific experiments, and in publishing various works on subjects of medicine, chemistry, and natural history, he fell
into the popular delusion about the time of the revolution,
and in 1792 was appointed elector of the city of Paris, and
afterwards provisional deputy to the national convention,
which, however, he did not enter until after the death of
the king.
ember of the council at war and of the naval council, and free associate of the academy of sciences, was born at Paris Jan. 19, 1715. He was the son of Charles de Fourcroy,
, marechal de camp, grand cross of the order of St. Louis, director of the royal corps of engineers, member of the council at war and of the naval council, and free associate of the academy of sciences, was born at Paris Jan. 19, 1715. He was the son of Charles de Fourcroy, an eminent counsellor at law, and Elizabeth L'Heritier. Destined to the bar as an hereditary profession, his inclination impelled him into the paths of science, and accident led him into the corps of engineers. An officer of that corps was involved in an important law-suit, which he chose M. de Fourcroy to conduct. M. de Fourcroy directed his son to converse with the officer for the purpose of procuring every information necessary to the success of his cause; but the youth, whose thirst of science was already conspicuous, shewed less attention to the particulars of the lawsuit, than desire to be acquainted with what concerned the service of an engineer; and being informed of the preliminary studies requisite to an admission into that body, he was soon enabled to offer himself for examination.
, a French engraver and letter-founder, was born at Paris in 1712, and excelled in his profession. His letters
, a French engraver and
letter-founder, was born at Paris in 1712, and excelled in
his profession. His letters not only embellished the typographical art, but his genins illustrated and enlarged it
He published in 1737 a table of proportions to be observed
between letters, in order to determine their height and
relations to each other. This ingenious artist ascended to
the very origin of printing, for the sake of knowing it
thoroughly. He produced at different times several historical and critical dissertations upon the rise and progress
of the typographical art, which have since been collected
and published in 1 vol. 8vo, divided into three parts; the
last including a curious history of the engravers in wood.
But the most important work of Fournier, is his “Manuel
Typographique, utile aux gens de Lettres, et a ceux qui
exercent les differents parties de PArt de Plmprimerie,
”
in 2 vols. 8vo. The author meant to have added two
more, but was prevented by his death, which happened
in 1768. In this “Manuel
” are specimens of all the different characters he invented. He was of the most pleasing
manners, and a man of virtue and piety.
, a celebrated French painter; was born at Paris in 1567. When he was studying at Rome, the suffrages
, a celebrated French painter; was born at Paris in 1567. When he was studying at Rome, the suffrages of that place were divided between Michael Angelo Caravaggio, and Joseph of Arpino, called Giuseppino; and he succeeded in imitating the excellencies of both. He was a great master of design, and of the sciences connected with his art, perspective and architecture; but there is a boldness in his manner, approaching to hardness, which is not always approved. Henry IV. however, appointed him his chief painter, and Louis XIII. honoured him with the order of St. Michael. He painted the cieling in the chapel at Fontainbleau, and died at Paris, June 18, 1619.
, an author of profound learning and considerable abilities, grossly misapplied, was born at Paris in 1688. He was bred nominally to the law, but
, an author of profound learning
and considerable abilities, grossly misapplied, was born at
Paris in 1688. He was bred nominally to the law, but his
inclinations and talents not being suited to that profession,
he devoted himself, from an early period, to his favourite
studies of chronology and history. At twenty-five he was
admitted into the academy of inscriptions, where he produced at the same time “A Discourse on the Origin of
the French.
” This treatise, at once bold and learned,
added to some indiscreet conversations, occasioned his
being confined in the Bastille. In his confinement, he
could obtain no book but the dictionary of Bayle, which
he consequently read so earnestly as almost to learn it by
heart. He imbibed, at the same time, the scepticism of
Bayle, and even went beyond him in the grpssness and
impudence of his infidel sentiments, as clearly appears by
some of his writings. These were, 1. “Letters of Thrasybulus to Leucippe,
” in which atheism is reduced to a system. 2. “Examination of the Apologists for Christianity,
”
a posthumous work (not published till
, a celebrated French poet and painter, was born at Paris in 1611. His father, who was an eminent apothecary
, a celebrated French poet and painter, was born at Paris in 1611. His father, who was an eminent apothecary in that city, intended him for the medical profession, and during the first year which he spent at college, he made very considerable progress in his studies; but as soon as he was raised to the highest classes, and began to contract a taste for poetry, his genius for it appeared, and he carried all the prizes of it, which were proposed to excite the emulation of his fellow-students. His inclination for poetry was heightened by exercise; and his earliest performances shewed that he was capable of attaining very considerable fame in this pursuit, if his love of painting, which equally possessed him, had not divided his time and application. At last he laid aside all thoughts of the study of physic, and declared absolutely for that of painting, notwithstanding the opposition of his parents, who by all kinds of severity endeavoured to divert him from pursuing that art, the profession of which they unjustly considered in a very contemptible light. But the strength of his inclination defeating all the measures taken to suppress it, he took the first opportunity of cultivating his favourite study.
, a French poet, chiefly celebrated for his dramatic writings, was born at Paris in 1648. He had a good natural taste for music,
, a French poet, chiefly
celebrated for his dramatic writings, was born at Paris in
1648. He had a good natural taste for music, painting,
sculpture, architecture, and all the fine arts. He had
also a taste for laying-out gardens, and this procured him
the place of overseer of gardens to the king, which he sold
for a moderate sum, as a supply to his extravagance,
which was unbounded. He was valet-de-chambre to Louis
XIV. and highly in favour with him; but his love of expence outwent even the bounty of his master. “There
are two men,
” said Louis, “whom I shall never enrich,
Fresny and Bontems.
” These were his two valets-dechambre, who were well matched in extravagance. At
length, Fresny sold all his appointments at court, and flew
from the constraint of Versailles to the liberty of Paris,
where he became a writer for the stage. He is the person
who is humourously represented by Le Sage in his “Diable
Boiteux,
” as marrying his laundress by way of paying her
bill. He was twice married, and both times, it is said, in
a similar way. He wrote many dramatic pieces, some of
which were long established on the stage. These were,
“La Reconciliation Normande, Le Double Voyage, La
Coquette de Village, Le Marriage rompu, L'Esprit de
Contradiction, Le Dedit.
” He was also the author of
cantatas, which he set to music himself; several songs,
some of which were famous; a little work often reprinted,
called “Les Amusements serieux et comiques,
” and
“Nouvelles Historiques
” all enlivened by a singular and
gay fancy. He died, aged seventy-six, in 1724. D'Alembert has drawn a parallel between Destouches and him as
comic writers. His works were collected in 6 volumes,
duodecimo.
, an ingenious and learned lawyer, was born at Paris in 1620; and, after a liberal education, became
, an ingenious and learned lawyer, was born at Paris in 1620; and, after a liberal education, became eminent in the civil and canon law. He
was first an advocate in the parliament; and afterwards,
taking orders, was presented to the abbey of Chalivoy,
and the priory of Chuines. Many works of literature recommended him to the public; but he is chiefly known
and valued for his “Universal Dictionary of the French
Tongue,
” in which he explains the terms of art in all
sciences. He died in 1688. He was of the French academy, but, though a very useful member, was excluded
in 1685, on the accusation of having composed his
dictionary, by taking advantage of that of the academy, which
was then going on. He justified himself by statements,
in which he was very severe against the academy; but
wished, a little before his death, to be re-admitted; and
he offered to give any satisfaction, which could reasonably
be expected from a man, who owned he had been carried
too far by the heat of disputation. His dictionary was not
printed till after his death, in 2 vols. fol. Basnage de
Beauval published an edition at Amsterdam, 1725, 4 vols.,
fol. This dictionary was the foundation of that known by
the name of Trevoux, the last edition of which is, Paris,
1771, 8 vols. fol. His other works are: “Facta,
” and.
other pieces, against his brother academicians. “Relation
des Troubles arrives au Ro‘iaume d’Eloquence;
” a tolerably good critical allegory. “Le Roman Bourgeois,
” 12mo
or 8vo; a book esteemed in its time. Five “Satires
” in
verse, 12mo, which are not valued. “Paraboles Evangeliques,
” inverse, Furetieriana,
” in which there are some amusing anecdotes.
1686, before he had completed this work, which was finished by his son James and Frere Romain. James was born at Paris 1667, became a pupil of the celebrated Mansart,
, an eminent royal architect of France, built the palace at Choisy, and undertook the royal bridge at Paris, but died in 1686, before he had completed this work, which was finished by his son James and Frere Romain. James was born at Paris 1667, became a pupil of the celebrated Mansart, and acquired so great a reputation as to be appointed overseer- general of buildings, gardens, arts and manufactures first architect and engineer of bridges and banks through the kingdom, and knight of St. Michael. He planned the common sewer, and many public buildings, among which are the hotel de Ville, and the presidial court of Paris, &c. He died in that city 1742, leaving a son, first architect to the king, who long supported the reputation of his ancestors, and died in 1782.
, a Jesuit, professor of classical learning, philosophy, and rhetoric, was born at Paris ifl 1612, and died at Bologna in 1681, in a deputation
, a Jesuit, professor of classical
learning, philosophy, and rhetoric, was born at Paris ifl
1612, and died at Bologna in 1681, in a deputation to
Rome from his order. His principal works are, 1. An edition of “Mercator,
” folio, Liberat,
” in 8vo, Paris, Liber diurnus,
” or Journal of the Popes,
with historical notes, and very curious dissertations, 168Q,
4to. 4. “The supplement to the works of Theodoret,
”
Systemæ Bibliothecæ Collegii Parisiensis,
societatis Jesu,
” Paris,
, a French engraver and man of letters, was born at Paris in 1740, and became the pupil of Le Bas, who taught
, a French engraver
and man of letters, was born at Paris in 1740, and became
the pupil of Le Bas, who taught him the arts of design and
engraving. Being early convinced of the importance of
learning in his profession, he devoted much of his time to
study, and became so celebrated for the productions of his
pen as well as his graver, that he was elected a member of
various literary societies both at home and abroad. As an
artist he succeeded principally in engraving portraits; and
his portrait of the queen of Louis XV. is considered as a
chef-d'oeuvre; nor was he much less esteemed in France
as a writer. In Fontenay’s Dictionary of Artists, published
in 1770, he wrote the articles concerning engravers, with
much candour, spirit, and discrimination. His other publications are, 1. “Observations sur le Costume Franchise,
”
in the “Journal des beaux arts,
” De l'orjgine et de la suppression des Cloches.
” 3. “Voyage au
Havre.
” 4. “Amour maternel,
” a successful dramatic
piece. 5. “Iconolo'gie, ou Traite complet des allegories
et emblemes,
” 4'vols. 8vo. 6. “Essai sur la gravure.
”
7. “Traite d‘anatomie a l’usage des artistes,
” fol. with fine
engravings. He is also said to have written *' Le Desaveu
des artistes," 1776, 8vo. He died at Paris Nov. 28, 1803.
, a French poet of some celebrity, was born at Paris in 1636. Having lost his father early in life,
, a French poet of some
celebrity, was born at Paris in 1636. Having lost his father early in life, he hoped to make his fortune in the Indies; but the ship he embarked in being taken by the
English, for some time he taught French in London, and
being enabled to return to France, he was made preceptor
to mademoiselle de Blois, afterwards duchess of Orleans,
He also became abbot of St. Vilmer, almoner to the duchess of Orleans, secretary to the duke of Maine, and
member of the French academy. He died November 19,
1719. His principal work is in French verse, entitled
“Principes de la Philosophic,
” 12mo; he also wrote four
tragedies, one of whicb, called “Penelope,
” was much
admired; and his “Joseph,
” still more so, when performed
in private at the duchess of Maine’s, at Clugni; but sunk
under the more impartial taste of the French theatre. The
two others are, “Zenolide Princess de Sparte,
” and “Polymnestre.
” In the collection of “Vers Choisis,
” by Bouhours, is a very elegant, though not very argumentative
epistle from the abbé Genest, to M. de la Bastide, persuading him to abjure the protestant religion. He had
also a great share in the collection entitled “Lcs Divertissemens de Sceaux,
” 2 vols. 12mo.
, a voluminous and useful French writer of the last century, was born at Paris, Nov. 17, 1726, and being educated in the profession
, a voluminous and useful
French writer of the last century, was born at Paris, Nov.
17, 1726, and being educated in the profession of the
law, became successively counsellor of the parliament of
Paris, and member of the grand council. He died in that
city in 1807. His countrymen owe to him various translations, which are held in high repute, particularly one of
Homer, first printed in 1784, 8vo, of which there were
afterwards two splendid editions printed by Didot; and
translations of Hesiod, Theocritus, Demosthenes, and
Goldsmith’s Vicar of Wakefield. His original works were,
1. “Traite de Peloquence de barreau,
” De la
” Religion, par un homme du monde,“1778, and
following years, 5 vols. 8vo. This work, though loaded
with a superabundance of quotations, which render it too
prolix, was well received. In 17 85 he published a judicious abridgment of it, under the title of
” Nouveaux Melanges de Philosophic et de la Litterature,“exhibiting in
a regular plan the fundamental principles of religion in
general, and the moral government of the Deity. 3.
” Les
vrais principes du Governement Francaise,“Geneva, 8vo,
Paris, 8vo, and 2 vols. 12mo. 4.
” Analyse raisonnée du
droit Français," Paris, 1782, 4to.
, advocate to the parliament of Paris, and to the council, and member of the French academy, was born at Paris in 1596. His abilities an 1 probity recommended
, advocate to the parliament of Paris,
and to the council, and member of the French academy,
was born at Paris in 1596. His abilities an 1 probity recommended him to some very honourable employments, and
he particularly enjoyed the confidence of cardinal Mazarin.
He was author of the following translations “Dialogues
des Orateurs,
” 4to. “l'Apologie de Socrate
” “riiist.
Sacree de Sulpice Severe;
” “I'Apologetique de Tertullien,
” for which he was received into the academy; “la
Cite de Dieu, de St. Augustin,
” I vol, 4to.; “Epitres
Choisies de St. Augustin,
” 5 vols. 12mo. He died in 1665,
at Paris. His son, Francis, who was provincial of the
Minim order, gained great reputation by some devotional
works; but deserves little credit for his principal publication, “Les Vies des Saints,
” fol. which although esteemed
for its piety, is full of fables, and far from accurate as to
facts. P. Raft'ron, of the same order, has written his life,
12mo.
, a learned French Dominican, was born at Paris, of a reputable family, in 1601, and after a classical
, a learned French Dominican, was born
at Paris, of a reputable family, in 1601, and after a classical education, took the habit of his order in 1619. He
then employed six years in the study of philosophy and
theology, after which he was sent to Toul to instruct the
young men of his order in these sciences. In the mean
time his extreme partiality to the Greek, and his extensive
reading in Greek literature, inspired him with a great desire to visit the country of the modern Greeks, and inquire
into their sentiments and customs; and having obtained
leave of his superiors, he set out in 1631, as an apostolic
missionary, and was for the sake of local convenience, made
prior of the convent of St. Sebastian, in the island of Chios.
Here he resided eight years, conversing with the ablest
of the natives, and inquiring into their history, religion,
and manners. Before returning to France he went to
Rome in 1640, where he was appointed prior of the convent of St. Sixtus, and being arrived at Paris, was made
master of the novices, and began to employ his time in
preparing his works for the press. This was an object so
much at heart, that when elected in 1652 vicar-general of
his order, he accepted it with great reluctance, as likely ta
interrupt his labours. It is supposed, indeed, that his
intense application, and the various duties of this office,
impaired his health, and brought on a slow fever, which
proved fatal Sept. 23, 1653. His principal work was his
collection of Greek liturgies, published under the title of
“Euchologion, sive rituale Grcecorum,
” Paris,
, an ingenious French writer, was born at Paris in 1716, where his father was an advocate, and
, an ingenious French writer, was born at Paris in 1716, where his father was an advocate, and himself became a counsellor to the parliament. By close study, and by great assiduity in his pursuits, he produced in 1758 a work that obtained a temporary reputation, and was translated into English, entitled c< Origine des Loix, des Arts, des Sciences, et de leur Progres chez les anciens Peuples," 3 vols. 4to; reprinted in 1778, in six volumes 12mo. This work treats of the origin and progress of human knowledge, from the creation to the age of Cyrus, but displays more genius than erudition, and is rather an agreeable than a profound work. He died of the small-pox, May 2, 1758, immediately after the publication of his work; leaving his Mss. and library to his friend, Alexander Conrad Fugere, who died only three days after him, in consequence of being deeply affected by the death of Goguet, who was a man of much personal worth. Goguet had begun another work on the origin and progress of the laws, arts, sciences, &c. in France, from the commencement of the monarchy, the loss of which the admirers of his first production much regretted.
and tales are known in this country by translations, was the daughter of Paul Poisson, a player, and was born at Paris in 1684. She was courted by M. de Gomez, a Spanish
, a French
lady, whose romances and tales are known in this country
by translations, was the daughter of Paul Poisson, a player,
and was born at Paris in 1684. She was courted by M. de
Gomez, a Spanish gentleman of small fortune, who, knowing her talents, foresaw many advantages from an union
with her, while she, in accepting him, appears to have
been deceived concerning his circumstances. Her works,
however, procured some pensions, by which she was enabled to live at St. Germain-en-L.aye till 1770, in which
year she died, respected by all who knew her. This lady
left some tragedies, which may be found in her “Miscellaneous Works,
” 12mo, but were all unsuccessful, and a
great number of romances. “Les Journees Amusantes,
”
8 vols. “Crementine,
” 2 vols. “Anecdots Persanes,
” 2
vols. “Hist, du Comte d'Oxford,
” one vol. “La Jeune
Alcidiane,
” 3 vols. (see Gomberville) “Les CentNouvelles Nouvelles,
” 36 parts comprised in 8 vols. These
are all well written, and with great delicacy, and were at
one time very popular in France.
, in Latin Gorreus, a physician, was born at Paris in 1505. He took the degree of doctor of physic
, in Latin Gorreus, a physician,
was born at Paris in 1505. He took the degree of doctor
of physic in that city about 1540, and was appointed dean
of the faculty in 1548. He is said to have possessed both
the learning and sagacity requisite to form an accomplished
physician, and to have practised with great humanity and
success. His works, which were published in 1622, folio,
by one of his sons, contributed to support this reputation.
The greater part of them consists of commentaries on different portions of the writings of Hippocrates, Galen, and
Nicander. During the civil war, which was fatal to numerous men of letters, John de Gorris was stopped by a
party of soldiers, when on his journey to Melun to visit
the bishop of Paris, and the fright which he sustained is
said to have deprived him of his reason. This occurred in
1561, and he lived in this deplorable condition until hia
death at Paris, in 1577. His father, Peter de Gouius,
was a physician at Bourges, attained considerable eminence, and left two works, one on the general “practice
of medicine,
” dated 1555; the other, “a collection of
formulae,
” 1560, both in Latin.
of St. James de l‘Hopital, and an associated academician of Marseilles, Rouen, Angers., and Auxerre, was born at Paris, Oct. 19, 1697. His father was a taylor, with
, a canon of St. James de
l‘Hopital, and an associated academician of Marseilles,
Rouen, Angers., and Auxerre, was born at Paris, Oct. 19,
1697. His father was a taylor, with a tradesman-like
aversion to learning, in the pursuit of which, however, he
found it impossible to prevent his son from employing his
early years. He began his studies at Paris, and carried
them on principally in the Jesuits’ college, and in the
congregation of the oratory. In 1720 he obtained a canonry of St. James de l’Hopital. He died at Paris, Feb.
2, 1767. His whole life appears to have been a scene of
literary labour, always useful, and often conducted with
great judgment. In order to pursue his studies without
interruption at home, or the necessity of having recourse
to foreign assistance, he accumulated a fine library of
10,000 volumes, in all branches of literature, but particularly literary history and biography. For fifty years he
continued to publish one voluminous compilation after
another; and by close application, so impaired his sight
that he was almost blind some time before his death. The
last editor of Moreri divides his publications into translations, works of piety, works of literary history, lives and
eloges, papers in the literary Journals, and lastly prefaces;
in all amounting to eighty-three articles. Of these the
most useful appear to be, 1. “Les Vies des Saints,
” Paris,
Bibliotheque des auteurs ecclesiastiques du
XVIII. siecle, pour servir de continuation a celle de M.
du Pin, c.
” ibid. 1736, 3 vols. 8vo. 3. “Supplement
”
to Moreri’s Dictionary, ibid. Nouveau Supplement
” to the same dictionary, ibid. Additions,
”
Bibliotheque Franchise, ou histoire de la
litterature Frangaise,
” from the invention of printing, 21
vols. 12mo, ibid. 1740—1759. This is the most useful of
all his works. It was undertaken at the request of M.
D'Aro-enson, the secretary of state. It in some measure
resembles Niceron, whom he also assisted in his useful
“Memoires,
” and wrote his life. 6. “De l‘etatdes Sciences
en France, depuis la mort de Charlemagne jusqu’a cello
du roi Robert,
” L'Histoire du
College Royal de France,
” 4to. 9. “Hist, du Pontificat
de Paul V.
” Amsterdam (Paris)
from Constantinople, and of other works, a collection of which was printed at Paris in 1580. His son was born at Paris Aug. 25, 1576, and educated for the bar; but,
, a French writer of some note, was the
son of Nicholas Goulu, royal professor of Greek in the
university of Paris, in 1567, and author of a translation
from Greek into Latin of Gregentius’s dispute with the Jew
Herbanus, which De Noailles, the French ambassador, had
brought from Constantinople, and of other works, a collection of which was printed at Paris in 1580. His son
was born at Paris Aug. 25, 1576, and educated for the bar;
but, having failed in the first cause he pleaded, he felt the
disappointment so acutely as to relinquish the profession,
and retire into a convent. He chose the order of the
Feuillans, and entered amongst them in 1604. He was so
much esteemed in his order that he always enjoyed some
office in it, and was at last made general. The name he
took when he became a monk, was Dom John of St. Francis. As he understood the Greek tongue, he translated
into French Epictetus’s Manual, Arrian’s Dissertations,
some of St. Basil’s treatises, and the works of Dionysius
Areopagita; to which he added a vindication of this St.
Dionysius’s works. He also revised his father’s Latin
translation of St. Gregory Nyssen against Eunomius, and
published it. He also wrote a book against Du Moulin’s
treatise of the calling of pastors, “De la Vocation des
Pasteurs
” the Life of Francis de Sales, bishop of Geneva;
and a Funeral Oration on Nicholas le Fevre, preceptor to
Lewis XIII.; but it is said that he never delivered it. He
did not, however, gain so great reputation by all those
writings as by his angry controversy with Balzac, already
noticed in our account of that writer. Goulu died Jan.
5, 1629.
, a learned French physician, professor of mathematics, and a member of several learned societies, was born at Paris March 7, 1722. His first public services in the
, a learned French physician,
professor of mathematics, and a member of several learned
societies, was born at Paris March 7, 1722. His first public services in the literary world were the arrangement and
preparation for the press of M. la Condamiue’s memoir
on the measure of the first three degrees of the meridian
in the Southern hemisphere. In the Encyclopaedia he was
chosen for the department of the mechanic arts, and his
numerous articles are remarkable for accuracy and perspicuity. He had a great turn for mechanics, and invented
several machines still employed in agriculture and chemistry, c. in France. In connexion with the unfortunate
baron de Marivetz, he published a learned and elaborate
work entitled “Physique du monde,
” five volumes of
which he published during the life of his colleague, and
afterwards three others. The whole was to have been
comprized in 14 vols. 4to, but of these eight only have
appeared. In 1779 he published “Prospectus d'un traite
de geometric physique particuliere du royaume de France,
”
4to. He died at Paris in
, a French artist, well known in this as well as his own country, was born at Paris March 26, 1699. He does not appear to have had
, a French artist, well known in this as well as his own country, was born at Paris March 26, 1699. He does not appear to have had much education in his profession, but soon made some figure as a draughtsman. He accompanied La Rochalard, who was appointed governor-general of St. Domingo, and meeting in that island with the artist Frezier, was employed by him on a map of the country. Gravelot returned to France in 1745, where he applied principally to drawing; but finding himself in the midst of a number of eminent artists, among whom he despaired of distinguishing himself, he came over to London, where he lived thirteen years. He possessed great fertility of invention, and composed, with much judgment, small subjects for vignettes and other book ornaments; he drew also admirably ancient buildings, tombs, and prospects, and was much employed in all these branches by the artists of London. He drew the monuments of the kings for Vertue, and gave the designs, where invention was necessary, for Pine’s plates of the tapestry in the house of lords. He was also for some time employed in Gloucestershire, drawing churches and antiquities. Vertue compares his neat manner to Picart, and owns that in composition and design, he even excelled his favourite Hollar. He sometimes attempted painting small histories and conversations, and he designed as well as engraved some of the prints to sir The* mas Hanmer’s edition of Shakspeare, and those belonging to Theobald’s edition: but the finest specimen of his abilities as an engraver, is his large print of Kirkstall abbey. He returned to France about the beginning of the present reign, and executed for the booksellers of Paris, the beautiful designs with which they ornamented the works of Corneille, Racine, Voltaire, Boccaccio, Ariosto, Marmontel, &c. He died at Paris in 1773. He is said to have been a man of wit and talents, and perfectly acquainted with the history and theory of his art.
, a French writer who attained some share of reputation among the encyclopedists, was born at Paris June 6, 1738, in which city he died Feb. 26, 1812.
, a French
writer who attained some share of reputation among the
encyclopedists, was born at Paris June 6, 1738, in which
city he died Feb. 26, 1812. His countrymen have as yels
given us very little of his history, except that he was,
either by talents or interest, advanced to be a member of
the academies of Marseilles and Lyons, an associate of
the Frencij institute, and a member of that of Auxerre.
He was intimately connected with Beaumarehais, whom
he often assisted with his pen, and passed for his secretary.
In political sentiments he was a disciple of Rousseau, and
eagerly promoted those opinions which led to the revolution. Besides three tragedies of no great merit, he published, i. “Graves observations stir les bonnes moeurs,
”
in poetical tales, published under the name of Frere Prul,
Paris> 1777. 2. “Discours,
” likewise in verse, o h
abolition of slavery, Paris, 1781, in which he compli acnti
Henry IV. as
the historian of China, was born at Paris, Feb. 1, 1674, and entered into the society of
the historian of China, was
born at Paris, Feb. 1, 1674, and entered into the society
of the Jesuits. In 1708 he was removed to one of their
houses in Paris, where he was employed in collecting and
publishing the letters received from their missionaries
abroad. He was also secretary to father Tellier, the king’s
confessor, and director of the corporation of artisans. In
the latter part of his life he was much afflicted with the
ague, but bore it with great resignation. He was a man of
an amiable temper, and of great zeal in his profession.
He died at Paris, Aug. 18, 1743. He published various
complimentary Latin poems, and some pious works; but
was principally known for his share in the *' Lettres edifiantes et curieuses,“or correspondence from the Jesuit
missionaries, which he published from collection 9th to
the 26th; and for his
” Description geographique, historiqae, chronologique, et physique de Tempire de la Chine,
et de la Tartarie Chinoise," Paris, 1735, 4 vols. fol. which
has been often reprinted, and considered as the most ample history we have of the Chinese empire. It was translated into English soon after its appearance, by persons
employed by Cave, the printer, and another translation
having been attempted at the same time, occasioned a
controversy, the particulars of which may amuse the reader.
, an eminent French writer on rural ceconomy and vegetable physiology, was born at Paris in 1700. Being a member of the academy of sciences,
, an eminent French writer on rural ceconomy and vegetable physiology, was born at Paris in 1700. Being a member of
the academy of sciences, he published in the memoirs of
that body in 1728, “his first ceconomical essay, on a kind of
parasitical fungus which infests the roots of the cultivated
saffron, and is fatal to them. In the same year he published in that work his first treatise on a much more important subject, the propagation of trees by grafting,
where he hazarded some physiological opinions, and entered on a course of experiment and observation, subsequently pursued to an extent which has been of great service to science, and has justly rendered his name famous.
He continued from time to time to communicate to the
academy various papers relative to these matters. In 1750
he began to publish in 12mo, his
” Traite de la Culture
des Terres,“which was continued in following years till
1761, when the sixth volume came out. Our English
writer Tull was his first guide, but he subsequently profited widely by the experience of himself and of various
other people, aided by his physiological sagacity, of which
he made a far more cautious use than is general with farming philosophers, and deserves to be reckoned the father
of intelligent agriculture in France. His
” Elements d'Agriculture," in 2 vols. 12mo, published in 1764, may be considered as a sequel to the preceding work. These two
volumes have been translated into German, Spanish, and
English. Du. Hamel wrote also on the cultivation and preparation of Madder, in 1757, 4to.
, one of the ablest French writers of the last century, was born at Paris, Nov. 20, 1739. His father, an officer of the
, one of the ablest French
writers of the last century, was born at Paris, Nov. 20,
1739. His father, an officer of the artillery, died when
he was very young, and left him in poverty. He obtained,
however, the patronage of M. Asselin, principal of the
college of Harcourt, who conceived an affection for him,
received him among his pupils, and soon after obtained a
pension for him. During his education he displayed a
turn for poetry and satire, and was accused of writing a
satirical poem on his benefactor. He protested his innocence and his reverence for M. Asselin; but this not appearing satisfactory, he was confined for some months in a
house of correction. One of his biographers says in the
Bastille; but, wherever it was, we are told that it made a
deep impression on him. His first poetical productions
after this affair, were of a species then very fashionable,
and called Heroides, in which Colordeau, Ranee, and
Dorat had distinguished themselves, and La Harpe was
thought little inferior to Dorat. In 1763, when only in
his twenty-fourth year, he wrote his tragedy of “Warwick,
” which met with deserved success, and still preserves its popularity on the stage. “Timoleon,
” which
he produced in Pharmond,
” in Warwick
” within so short a space of time.
, at first an advocate, afterwards an ecclesiastic, and abbé of Auhignac and Meimac, was born at Paris in 1604. Cardinal Richelieu, whose nephew he educated,
, at first an advocate, afterwards
an ecclesiastic, and abbé of Auhignac and Meimac, was
born at Paris in 1604. Cardinal Richelieu, whose nephew
he educated, bestowed on him his two abbeys, and the
protection of that minister gave him consequence both as
a man of the world and as an author. He figured by turns
as a grammarian, a classical scholar, a poet, an antiquary,
a preacher, and a writer of romances; but he was most
known by his book entitled “Pratique du Theatre,
” and
by the quarrels in which his haughty and presumptuous
temper engaged him, with some of the most eminent
authors of his time. The great Corneille was one of these,
whose disgust first arose from the entire omission of his
name in the celebrated book above mentioned. He was
also embroiled, on different accounts, with madame Scuderi, Menage, and Richelet. The warmth of his temper
exceeded rhat of his imagination, which was considerable;
and yet he lived at court a good deal in the style of a philosopher, rising early to his studies, soliciting no favours,
and associating chiefly with a few friends, as unambitious
as himself, he describes himself as of a slender constitution, not capable of taking much exercise, or even of applying very intensely to study, without suffering from it in
his health; yet not attached to any kind of play. “It is,
”
ays he, “too fatiguing for the feebleness of my body, or
too indolent for the activity of my mind.
” The abbé
d'Aubignac lived to the age of seventy-two, and died at
xnours in 1676. His works are, 1. “Pratique du Theatre,
”
Amsterdam, Zenobie,
” a
tragedy, in prose, composed according to the rules laid
down in his “Pratique,
” and a complete proof of the total
inefficacy of rules to produce an interesting drama, being
the most dull and fatiguing performance that was ever represented. The prince of Condé said, on the subject of
this tragedy, “We give great credit to the abbé d'Aubignac for having so exactly followed the rules of Aristotle,
but owe no thanks to the rules of Aristotle for having made
the abbé produce so vile a tragedy.
” He wrote a few other
other tragedies also, which are worse, if possible, than
Zenobia. 3. “Macaride; or the Queen of the Fortunate
Islands,
” a novel, Paris, Conseils
d'Ariste à Celimene, 12mo. 5.
” Histoire da terns, ou Relation du Royaume de Coqueterie,“12mo, 6.
” Terence
justifié,“inserted in some editions of his
” Pratique.“7.
” Apologie de Spectacles," a work of no value. A curious
book on satyrs, brutes, and monsters, has been attributed
to him; but, though the author’s name was Hedelin, he
does not appear to have been the same.
, the most remarkable of this family, was born at Paris in 1715, and was son of the preceding Helvetius.
, the most remarkable
of this family, was born at Paris in 1715, and was son of
the preceding Helvetius. He studied under the famous
father Pon'e in the college of Louis the Great, and his
tutor, discovering in his compositions remarkable proofs of
genius, was particularly attentive to his education. An
early association with the wits of his time gave him the
desire to become an author, but his principles unfortunately became tainted with false philosophy. He did not
publish any thing till 1758, when he produced his celebrated book “DeTEsprit,
” which appeared first in one
volume 4to, and afterwards in three volumes, 12mo. This
work was very justly condemned by the parliament of Paris, as confining the faculties of man to animal sensibility,
and removing at once the restraints of vice and the encouragements to virtue. Attacked in various ways at home, on
account of these principles, he visited England in 1764,
and the next year went into Prussia, where he was received with honourable attention by the king. When he
returned into France, he led a retired and domestic life on
his estate at Vore. Attached to his wife and family, and
strongly inclined to benevolence, he lived there more
happily than at Paris, where, as he said, he “was obliged to
encounter the mortifying spectacle of misery that he could
not relieve.
” To Marivaux, and M. Saurin, of the French
academy, he allowed pensions, that, for a private benefactor, were considerable, merely on the score of merit;
which he was anxious to search out and to assist. Yet,
with all this benevolence of disposition, he was strict in
the care of his game, and in the exaction of his feudal
rights. He was maltre-d'hotel to the queen, and, for a
time, a farmer-general, but quitted that lucrative post to
enjoy his studies. When he found that he had bestowed
his bounty upon unworthy persons, or was reproached with
it, he said, “If I was king, I would correct them; but I
am only rich, and they are poor, my business therefore is
to aid them.
” Nature had been kind to Helvetius; she
had given him a fine person, genius, and a constitution
which promised long life. This last, however, he did not
attain, for he was attacked by the gout in his head and stomach, under which complaint he languished some little
time, and died in December 1771. His works were, 1.
the treatise “De l'Esprit,
” “on the Mind,
” already mentioned: of* which various opinions have been entertained,
It certainly is one of those which endeavour to degrade the
nature of man too nearly to that of mere animals; and
even Voltaire, who called the author at one time a true
philosopher, has said that it is filled with common-place
truths, delivered with great parade, but without method,
and disgraced by stories very unworthy of a philosophical
production. The ideas of virtue and vice, according to
this book, depend chiefly upon climate. 2. “Le Bonheur,
” or “Happiness,
” a poem in six cantos; published
after his death, in 1772, with some fragments of epistles.
His poetical style is still more affected than his prose, and
though he produces some fine verses, he is more frequently
stiff and forced. His poem on happiness is a declamation,
in which he makes that great object depend, not on virtue,
but on the cultivation of letters and the arts. 3. “De
l'Homme,
” 2 vols. 8vo, another philosophical work, not
less bold than the first. A favourite paradox, produced in
this book, under a variety of different forms, is, “that all
men are born with equal talents, and owe their genius
solely to education.
” This book is even more dangerous
than that on the mind, because the style is clearer, and the
author writes with less reserve. He* speaks sometimes of
the enemies of what he called philosophy, with an asperity
that ill accords with the general mildness of his character.
, an eminent French writer, and president in parliament, was born at Paris, Feb. 8, 1685. His great grandfather, Remi Henault,
, an eminent French
writer, and president in parliament, was born at Paris,
Feb. 8, 1685. His great grandfather, Remi Henault, used to
be of Lewis XIII.' s party at tennis, and that prince called
him “The Baron,
” because of a fief which he possessed
near Triel. He had three sons, officers of horse, who were
all killed at the siege of Casal. John Remi, his father, an
esquire, and lord of Moussy, counsellor to the king, and
secretary to the council, kept up the honour of the family,
and becoming farmer-general, made his fortune. He was
honoured with the confidence of the count de Pontchartrain; and, being of a poetical turn, had some share in
the criticisms which appeared against Racine’s tragedies.
He married the daughter of a rich merchant at Calais, and
one of her brothers being president of that town, entertained the queen of England on her landing there in 1689.
Another brother, counsellor in the parliament of Metz,
and secretary to the duke of Berry, was associated with
Mr. Crozat in the armaments, and, dying unmarried, left
a great fortune to his sister.
Young Renault early discovered a sprightly, benevolent
disposition, and his penetration and aptness soon distinguished itself by the success of his studies. Claude de
Lisle, father of the celebrated geographer, gave him the
same lessons in geography and history which he had before
given to the duke of Orleans, afterwards regent. These
instructions have been printed in seven volumes, under the
title of “Abridgment of Universal History.
”
, an eminent Orientalist of France, was born at Paris Dec. 14, 1625. When he had gone through classical
, an eminent Orientalist of France, was born at Paris Dec. 14, 1625. When he had gone through classical literature and philosophy, he applied himself to the Oriental languages; and especially to the Hebrew, for the sake of understanding the original text of the Old Testament. After a continual application for several years, he took a journey to Rome, thinking that conversing with Armenians, and other eastern people who frequented that city, would make him perfect in the knowledge of their languages.
, an eminent French botanist, was born at Paris in 1746. In 1772 he was appointed superintendant
, an eminent French botanist, was born at Paris in 1746. In 1772
he was appointed superintendant of the waters and forests
of the generality of Paris, and his active mind being turned
to fulfil the duties of his office, he began to apply to botany, with a particular view to the knowledge of foresttrees. Broussonet, who had studied with sir Joseph Banks,
and was an ardent Linnaean, was the intimate friend of
L'Heritier, and contributed in no small degree to urge
him forward in his career. The first fruits of his labours
was a splendid book, with finely engraved plates, entitled
“Stirpes novae,
” of which the first fasciculus, containing
eleven plates with their descriptions, appeared in J7S4.
Five more followed, amounting to eighty-four platas. To
secure to himself some of his own discoveries, and especially the establishment of certain new genera and their
names, L'Heritier contrived a method of publishing such
in the form of monographs, with one or two plates. Of
these he distributed the copies gratuitously to different
people, so that no individual might be possessed of the
entire collection. A complete set, however, is in the library of sir Joseph Banks, and another in that of the president of the Linnaean society. In 1786 he came over to
England, and collected from the English gardens the materials of his “Sertum Anglicum,
” a Work consisting of
several fasciculi, on a similar plan to his Stirpes Novafe,
but it remains unfinished. In 1775 he became a conseiller
a la cour des aides, was for a long time the dean of that
court, and accepted the office of a judge in the civil tribunals of the department of the Seine, and is recorded to
have fulfilled its duties with the most exemplary rectitude
and incorruptibility. He also sat from time to time as a
member of the representative body. His views were always those of a true patriot, the correction of abuses, the
maintenance of the laws in their genuine force and purity;
and the darling object of his emulation was the uncorrupted British constitution.
, an eminent French mathematician and astronomer, was born at Paris, March 18, 1640. His father Laurence, who was
, an eminent French mathematician and astronomer, was born at Paris, March 18, 1640. His father Laurence, who was painter in ordinary to dm king, professor in the academy of painting and sculpture, and much celebrated, intended him also for the same occupation; and with that view taught him the principles of design, and some branches of mathematics, but died when Philip was no more than seventeen. Falling afterwards into a bad habit of body, he projected a journey into Italy; which he conceived might contribute not less to the recovery of his health, than to bring him to perfection in his art. He accordingly set out in 1660, and soon found himself well enough to contemplate the remains of antiquity, with which Italy abounds, and also to study geometry, to which he had indeed more propensity than to painting, and which soon afterwards engrossed him entirely. The retired manner in which he spent his time in Italy, very much suited his disposition; and he would willingly have continued longer in that country, but for the importunity of his mother, who prevailed upon him to return, after an absence of about four years.
, a pious and learned translator of the Hebrew Scriptures, and commentator on them, was born at Paris in 168t>. In 1702 he became a priest of the congregation
, a pious and learned
translator of the Hebrew Scriptures, and commentator on
them, was born at Paris in 168t>. In 1702 he became a
priest of the congregation named the Oratory; and being-,
by deafness, deprived of the chief comforts of society, addicted himself the more earnestly to books, in which he
found his constant consolation. Of a disposition naturally
benevolent, with great firmness of soul, goodness of temper, and politeness of manners, he was held in very general estimation, and received honours and rewards from the
pope (Bened. XIV.) and from his countrymen, which he
had never thought of soliciting. Though his income was’
but small, he dedicated a part of it to found a school near
Chantilly; and the purity of his judgment, joined to the
strength of his memory, enabled him to carry on his literary labours to a very advanced age. Even when his faculties had declined, and were further injured by the accident of a fall, the very sight of a book, that well-known
gonsoler of all his cares, restored him to peace and rationality. He died Oct. 3 I, 1783, at the advanced age of ninetyeight. His works, for which he was no less esteemed in
foreign countries than in his own, were chiefly these: 1.
An edition of the Hebrew Bible, with a Latin version and
notes, published at Paris in 1733, in 4 vols. folio. This is
the most valuable and important work of the author, and
contains the Hebrew text corrected by the soundest rules
of criticism, a Latin version, and useful notes: and prefixed to each book is a very learned preface. Benedict
XIV. who justly appreciated the value and difficulty of the
work, honoured the author with a medal, and some other
marks of approbation; and the clergy of his own country,
unsolicited, conferred a pension on him. 2. A Latin translation of the Psalter, from the Hebrew, 1746, 12mo. 3.
Another of the Old Testament at large, in 1753, in 8 vols.
8vo. 4. “Racines Hebraiques,
” Examen du Psautier des Capuchins,
” 12mo,
the mode of interpretation used in which, he thought too
arbitrary. 6. A French translation of an English work by
Forbes, entitled “Thoughts on Natural Religion.
” 7.
Most of the works of Charles Leslie translated, Paris, 1770,
8vo. Father Houhigant is said also to have left several
works in manuscript, which, from the excellence of those
he published, may be conjectured to be well deserving of
the press. Among these are a “Traite des Etudes;
” a
translation of “Origen against Celsus;
” a “Life of Cardinal Berulle;
” and a complete translation of the Bible,
according to his own corrections. The first of these was
to have been published by father Dotteville, and the rest
by Lalande, but we do not find that any of them have appeared.
, a French poetess, was born at Paris in 1638, and possessed all the charms of her sex,
, a French
poetess, was born at Paris in 1638, and possessed all the
charms of her sex, and wit enough to shine in the age of
Louis XIV. Her taste for poetry was cultivated by the
celebrated poet Henault, who is said to have instructed her
in all he knew, or imagined he knew; but she not only
imitated him in his poetry, but also in his irreligion; for
her verses savour strongly of Epicureanism. She composed epigrams, odes, eclogues, tragedies; but succeeded best in the idyllium or pastoral, which some affirm
she carried to perfection. She died at Paris in 1694,
and left a daughter of her own name, who had some talent
for poetry, but inferior to that of her mother. The first
verses, however, composed by this lady, bore away the
prize at the French academy; which was highly to her
honour, if it be true, as is reported, that Fontenelle wrote
at the same time, and upon the same subject. She was a
member of the academy of the Ilicovrati of Padua, as,was
her mother, who was also of that of Aries. She died at
Paris in 1718. The works of these two ladies were
collectively published in 1747, in 2 vols. 12mo. Several
maxims of the elder of these ladies are much cited by
French writers; as, that on gaming, “On commence par
tre dupe, on finit par etre fripon.
” People begin dupes,
and end rogues. And that on self-love: “Nul n'est content cle sa fortune, ni mécontent de son esprit.
” No one
is satisfied with his fortune, or dissatisfied with his talents.
, a political writer of some note, was born at Paris in 1674, the son of a Protestant, and sent early
, a political writer of
some note, was born at Paris in 1674, the son of a Protestant, and sent early into Holland for education. For a
time he quitted his studies for the army, but at the peace
of Ryswick he resumed his literary labours, and became
concerned in the gazettes of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and
Utrecht. A simple and historical style, with a clear head,
and much political sagacity, seemed to promise great
success to these labours; but his press being silenced, on
account of a political tract (in which, however, he had no concern), he retired to the Hague, and became agent to
the landgrave of Hesse. He died of an apoplexy in 1730,
at the age of fifty-six. Of his works there are, 1. His
*' Gazettes,“written in a good style, and with sound political knowledge, t. A translation of Steele’s
” Ladies’
Library,“published in 1717 and 1719, in 2 -vols. duodecimo. 3. A translation of an indifferent satire against
monks and priests, written originally by Antony Gavin, and
printed in 1724, in 4 vols. 12mo. 4.
” The present State
of the Republic of the United Provinces, and their dependencies," published in 1729, in 2 vols. 12mo. This is
the most correct work that is extant, though it has been
considered by Niceron as not altogether devoid of faults.
, a French writer, was born at Paris in 1607, and obtained a canonry in the cathedral
, a French writer, was born at Paris in
1607, and obtained a canonry in the cathedral there in
1631. Discovering also a capacity for state affairs, he was
appointed to attend a plenipotentiary to Munster; and,
during the commotions at Paris, he took a journey to Rome.
In 1671, he was made precentor of his church, and several
times official. He lived to the great age of ninety-three,
without experiencing the usual infirmities of it; when, going one morning to matins, he fell into a trench, which had
been dug for the foundation of the high altar. He died of
this fall in 1700, after bequeathing a very fine library to
his church. He was the author of many works in both
Latin and French, and as well upon civil as religious subjects. One of them in French, 1652, in 12mo, is entitled
t( A Collection of true and important Maxims for the Education of a Prince, against the false and pernicious politics of cardinal Mazarine;“which, being reprinted in 1663, with two
” Apologetical Letters,“was burnt in 1665 by the hands of the common hangman. The same year, how-. ever, 1665, he published a tract called
” Codicil d'Or, or the Golden Codicil," which relates to the former; being a further collection of maxims for the education of a prince, taken chiefly from Erasmus, whose works he is said to have
read seven times over.
, counsellor and secretary to the French king, was born at Paris, 1580. Having excellent parts, and a strong bent
, counsellor and secretary to
the French king, was born at Paris, 1580. Having excellent parts, and a strong bent to letters, he made a great
progress; and, as soon as he left the college, applying
himself to the study of the councils and ecclesiastical history, he published the “Code of Canons of the Church
universal, and the Councils of Africa, with notes.
” He
held a literary correspondence with the most learned men
of his time, as Usher, Salmasius, Blondel, sirHenry
Spelman, and others, till his death, which happened at
Paris in 1649. He had the character of knowing more of
the middle ages than any of his time. Besides the code
already mentioned, he published, in 1645, “The Genealogical History of the House of Auvergne;
” and several
collections of Greek and Latin canons, from Mss. which
formed the.“Bibliotheca juris canonici veteris,
” published
at Paris in
, a diligent French miscellaneous historian, was born at Paris in 1724. Of his numerous works, which have been
, a diligent French miscellaneous
historian, was born at Paris in 1724. Of his numerous
works, which have been all well received, the following
are the best: “Abrege chronologique de l'Histoire Ancienne,
” De l'Histoire du Nord.
” “De
l‘Histoire D’Espagne et de Portugal.
” “Dictionnaire
portatif des Beaux Arts,
” Le Salon,
” Le Spectacle des Beaux Arts,
” 1760, 12mo.
” Histoire de Christine Reine de Suede," 1762, 12mo.
This is his best work, and has merit; but the English translation of it, published at London, 1766, is said to be preferable to the original. The time of La Combe’s death is
not mentioned.
, a French ecclesiastic, was born at Paris in 1653, became bachelor of the Sorbonne, and
, a French ecclesiastic, was
born at Paris in 1653, became bachelor of the Sorbonne,
and chaplain of Notre Dame, and took possession of a
canonry of St. Oportune, 1721, but never enjoyed it
peaceably. He undertook missions in the provinces for
the re- union of the Protestants, and devoted himself with
success to the care of souls, and to preaching. He died
May 9, 1724, aged seventy-one. He was for some time
in the congregation of the oratory. His works are, 1.
“Traite
” de Controverse pour les nouveaux Reunis, suf la
Presence resile, sur la Communion sous une Espece, et
sur les Traduct. Fr. de PEcriture,“1692, 12mo. 2.
” Extraits des S. S. Peres de PEglise, sur la Morale,“in 4 parts,
16to. 3.
” An Abridgment of the Life of Catherine Antoinette de Gondi,“superior-general of Calvary, who died
1716, 12mo. 4. An Abridgment of the
” Life of Cardinal le Camus, bishop of Grenoble,“12mo. 5.
” The
History and Abridgment of the pieces written for and
against Plays and Operas,“12mo; a curious work and
6.
” Pense*es sur les Spectacles," Orleans, 12mo, are also
attributed to him.
, eldest son of the preceding, was born at Paris in 1644, carefully educated by his father, and
, eldest son of
the preceding, was born at Paris in 1644, carefully educated by his father, and at a proper age placed in the Jesuits’ college, under the particular tuition of the celebrated father Rapin, whose favourite disciple he was.
Having finished his studies, he travelled through different
countries, and in 1666 was admitted a counsellor of parliament. In 1674 he was appointed to the office of advocate general, which he held during the space of twenty five years, with the highest and most unblemished reputation, distinguished as much for his eloquence, as by his
zeal for justice and the public good. In 1690 the king
nominated him to a post of more ease, and better adapted
to his health, but his love of employment retained him
several years longer at the bar, till at length, being urged
as well by his own feelings, as the representations of his
family and friends, he sought for an honourable repose,
He then indulged in the love of letters, and, in 1704, was
admitted a member of the academy of inscriptions, of which
he was sooti appointed the president. In this station he
displayed as much talent and readiness in discussing a literary question as he had formerly done a point of jurisprudence. He died in 1709. Many of his speeches were
published, but the only work which he sent to the press
was “A Letter on the Death of father Bourdaloue.
” He
was father to the chancellor Lamoignon, and grandfather
to Lamoignon-Malesherbes, of whom an account will be
given hereafter.
, a distinguished chemical philosopher, was born at Paris, on the 13th of August, 1743. His father, a man
, a distinguished chemical philosopher, was born at Paris, on the 13th of August, 1743. His father, a man of opulence, sparing no expence on his education, he displayed very early proofs of the extent and success of his studies, especially in the circle of the physical sciences. In 1764, when the French government proposed a prize question, relative to the best method of lighting the streets of a large city, Lavoisier presented a dissertation on the subject, which was highly approved, printed at the expence of the academy of sciences, and obtained for him the present of a gold medal from the king, which was delivered to him by the president of the academy, at a public sitting, in April 1766. Two years afterwards, he was admitted a member of that learned body, of which he was constantly one of the most active and useful associates. About the same time, he was occupied in experimental researches on a variety of subjects such as the analysis of the gypsum found in the neighbourhood of Paris; the crystallization of salt; the properties of water; and in exploring the phsenomena of thunder, and of the aurora borealis: and he distinguished himself by several dissertations on these and other topics, practical and speculative, which appeared in different periodical works. In the Memoirs of the Academy for 1770 were published his observations on the nature of water, and on the experiments which had been supposed to prove the possibility of its conversion into earth. He proved, by a careful repetition of these experiments, that the earthy deposit, left after repeated distillations of water, proceeded solely from an abrasion of the vessels employed. Lavoisier performed several journeys into various parts of France, in company with M. Guettard; in the course of which he collected a store of materials for a lithological and mineralogical history of that kingdom, which he ingeniously arranged in the form of a chart. These materials were the basis of a great work on the revolutions of the globe, and on the formation of the strata of the earth: two interesting sketches of which were printed in the Memoirs of the Academy for 1772 and 1787.
, an eminent French surgeon, was born at Paris in 1685, and received his education under his
, an eminent French surgeon, was born at Paris in 1685, and received his education under his father, Henry Le Dran, who had acquired
considerable reputation as an operator, particularly in cancers of the breast. Under his auspices our young surgeon
turned his thoughts principally to the operation of lithotomy, which he performed in the lateral method, as practised by Cheselden, and was enabled to make some valuable
improvements in the art. These he communicated to the
public in his “Paralele des differentes manieres de tirer la
Pierre hors de la Vessie,
” printed in Observations de
Chirurgie, auxquelles on a joint plusieurs reflections en faveur des Etudiens,
” Paris, Traite
”
ou reflections tiroes de la pratique sur les playes d'Armes a
feu,“Paris, 1737, 12mo. 4.
” Traite“des Operations de
Chirurgie,
” Paris, 1743, 12mo. To the translation of this
work into English, by Gataker, Cheselden made some valuable additions. 5. “Consultations sur la plupart des
Maladies qui sont du report de la Chirurgie,
”
, son of the preceding, was born at Paris in January 1677, and was intended lor the profession
, son of the preceding, was born at Paris in January 1677, and was intended lor the profession of the law; but he had imbibed from the pursuits of his father so great a taste for those sciences, that he entered the faculty of medicine of his native city, and received the degree of doctor in 1698. Two years afterwards he was admitted into the academy of sciences, and in 1708 h delivered lectures on chemistry in the royal garden. In 1710 he was appointed physician to the Hotel-Dieu, a post which he occupied during the remainder of his life. In 1712 he obtained the rank of associate in the academy, and succeeded his father as pensionary in 1715. He purchased the office of king’s physician in 1722; and in that capacity he accompanied the infanta of Spain on her return from France, whither she had gone with the view of being married to Louis XV. Soon after his return to Paris 'he was honoured by the queen of Spain with the title of her consulting physician. In 1731 he was appointed professor of chemistry in the royal garden, in the place of Geoffroy. At a subsequent period he became particularly attached to the establishment of the duchess of Brunswick, whom he frequently visited in the palace of Luxembourg; and he likewise obtained the patronage of the princess of Conti, in whose hotel he regularly passed a part of every day, and there composed several of the chemical papers which he read before the academy of sciences. These papers treat of the subjects of iron, of nitre, and some other salts, of vegetable and animal analyses, of the origin and formation of monsters, &c. He died on June 9, 1743, and the loss of him was much regretted; for to the mild and polished manners of the gentleman, he united great sincerity and constancy in his attachments, and sentiments of liberality and generosity in all his proceedings.
, a learned French writer, who spent a long life in the study of history and general literature, was born at Paris, March 28, 1736. Of his private life we have no
, a learned French writer, who spent a long life in the study of history and general literature, was born at Paris, March 28, 1736. Of
his private life we have no account; and our authority
apologizes for this by assuring us that it contained none of
those incidents that are interesting in biography, and that
he was known only by his numerous publications. He
was, however, in the course of his life, professor of morals
and history in the college of France, a member of the old
academy of inscriptions and belles-lettres, a member of the
institute of the class of ancient history, and a knight of the
legion of honour. He died at Paris, March 12, 1812,
leaving the following proofs of his talents and industry.
1. “Le reves d‘Aristobule, philosophe Grec, suivis d’un
abrege de la vie de Formose, philosophe Francais,
” Paris,
Choix-de poesies de Petrarque,
” translated from the Italian, L'homme moral,
”
Amst. L‘homme pensant, ou Essai sur
l’histoire de l'esprit humain,
” Amst. Histoire de Russie,
” Paris, Histoire des differens
peuples soumis a la domination des Russes,
” 2 vols. Both
were reprinted in 1800, with a continuation to the end of
the reign of Catherine, 8 vols. 8vo. In this last, he offers
a very able vindication of the conduct of that empress in
the early part of her reign. 7. “Eloge historique de
l'abbé Mably,
” Paris, La
France sous les cinq premier Valois,
” Paris, Dictionnaire des arts, de peinture, sculpture,
et gravure,
” Paris, Thucydides,
” Paris, L‘etude de l’histoire de la Grece,
” 4 vols. 8vo;
not, as is said, a learned work, but a popular introduction
to the knowledge of Grecian history.
, son to the preceding, and a very learned French geographer, was born at Paris Feb. 2$, 1675. His father being much occupied
, son to the preceding, and a very learned French geographer, was born at Paris Feb. 2$, 1675. His father being much occupied in the same way, young Lisle began at nine years of age to draw maps, and soon made a great progress in this art. In 1699 he first distinguished himself by executing a map of the world, and other pieces, which procured him a place in the academy of sciences, 1702. He was afterwards appointed geographer to the king, with a pension, and had the honour of instructing the king himself in geography, for whose particular use he drew up several works. De Lisle’s reputation was so great, that scarcely any history or travels came out without the embellishment of his maps. Nor was his name less celebrated abroad than in his own country. Many sovereigns in vain attempted to draw him out of France. The Czar Peter, when at Paris on his travels, paid him a visit, to communicate to him some remarks upon Muscovy; but especially, says Fontenelle, to learn from him, better than he could anywhere else, the extent Niceron, vol. XXIV. Bibl. Belg. Blount’s Censura. Brueker. Bufiart’s Academie des Sciences, vol. II. Saxii Onomast. and situation of his own dominions. De Lisle died of an apoplexy Jan. 25, 1726, at 51 years of age. Besides the excellent maps he published, he wrote many pieces in the Memoirs of the Academy of Sciences.
, younger brother of the preceding, was born at Paris April 4, 1688, and at first educated under his
, younger brother of the
preceding, was born at Paris April 4, 1688, and at first
educated under his paternal roof. He then pursued his
studies at the Mazarine-college, where the eclipse of the sun
in 1706 seems to have directed his attention to astronomy,
for which he soon displayed so much genius, as to be admitted into the academy of sciences, to the memoirs of
which he contributed many valuable papers. In 1715 he
calculated the tables of the moon according to the theory
of sir Isaac Newton. He also, in the course of his pursuits, made many observations on the spots of the sun, and
from them formed a theory to determine the sun’s rotation
on his axis. In 1720 he delivered a proposal to the academy for ascertaining in France the figure of the earth, and
some years afterwards this was carried into execution. In
1724 he paid a visit to England, where he became acquainted with Newton and Halley, who shewed him every
mark of respect, and Halley in particular highly gratified
him by a present of a copy of his astronomical tables of
the sun, moon, and planets, which he had printed in
1719, but which were not published for many years after.
In. 1726 he was appointed astronomer royal in the imperial
academy of sciences at Petersburg, where for twenty- one
years he resided in the observatory-house built by Peter
the Great, incessantly occupied in the improvement of
astronomy and geography. During this period he published “Memoirs illustrative of the History of Astronomy,
”
2 vols. 4to; and an atlas of Russia, first published in the
Russian language, and afterwards in Latin. He constructed
also a thermometer, differently graduated from those in
use, the degrees beginning at the heat of boiling water,
and thence increasing to 150, which was the freezing point.
In 1747, after much ill-treatment on the part of the Russian government, he obtained his dismission, and arrived
in Paris in September of the same year. He was then appointed professor of the mathematics at the college royal,
in which situation he lived to render the greatest service to
the interests of science, by training up some learned pupils, among whom was the celebrated M. de la Lande. In
1743, his pupil, M. Monnier, took a voyage to Scotland to
observe an annular eclipse of the sun, and on this subject
De Lisle published a large advertisement, which was reckoned a complete treatise on annular eclipses. He afterwards entered more fully on the consideration of the theory
of eclipses, and he communicated a part of his researches
on the subject to the academy in 1749. He was so expert
in calculations, that he made many founded on the observations of Greenwich, Berlin, Scotland, and Sweden. In
1750 and 1753 he published “New charts of the Discoveries of admiral de Fonte, or Fuente, made in 1640, and
those of other navigators, Spanish, Portuguese, English,
Dutch, French, and Russian, in the Northern seas, with,
explications.
” In Mercure,
” for July of that year.
He was afterwards assiduously engaged on the transit of
Venus, expected in 1761, in order to correct the error of
Halley, and thus prevent persons from undertaking long
voyages unnecessarily for the sake of observing it. He
had, some years previously to this, been appointed astronomical geographer to the marine, and his business was to
collect and arrange the plans and journals of naval captains,
and to extract from them whatever might be found beneficial to the king’s service in this department. His majesty
now purchased, with a pension- for life, all M. de Lisle’s
rich astronomical and geographical collections, which were
added to the Mss. in the depot. In 1758, JDeginning to
decline, he withdrew as much as he could from public life,
leaving the care of his observations to M. Messier, while
M. de la Lamle was appointed his coadjutor at the college
royal. He went to reside at the abbey of St. Genevieve,
where he spent his time partly in devotional exercises, and
partly in study, devoting the greatest part of his income
to- acts of benevolence and charity. He died on the 11th
of July 1768, in the eighty-first year of his age. As a
man of science his merits are very great, and in private
life he was distinguished by unaffected piety, pure morals,
undeviating integrity, and most amiable manners.
, an eminent French historian and bibliographer, was born at Paris, April 19, 1665. His mother dying while he was
, an eminent French historian and
bibliographer, was born at Paris, April 19, 1665. His
mother dying while he was very young, his father married
again, and entrusted his education to one of his relations,
a priest, who was director of the religious at Estampes.
After he had been taught grammar and Latin for two or
three years under this ecclesiastic, his father sent him to
Malta, with a view to procure him admission among the
clerks of the order of St. John of Jerusalem. He had
scarcely arrived here when the plague broke out, to which
he incautiously exposed himself; but although he escaped
the contagion, he fancied that the air of Malta did not
agree with him, and obtained leave of his superiors to return to Paris, where he might prosecute his studies in the
classics, philosophy, and divinity. As he had not taken
the vows in the order of St. John, he had no sooner completed his studies at home, than he entered into the congregation of the oratory. His year of probation being
passed, he was sent to the college of Jully, where he
taught mathematics, and went afterwards to the seminary
of Notre Dame des Vertus, where he employed his leisure
time in study, particularly of philosophy, which brought
him acquainted with father Malbranche. On his return
to Paris he was appointed to the care of the library belonging to the fathers of the oratory, a place for which he was
admirably qualified, as he was not only acquainted with
Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and the Chaldean, but with the
Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and English languages, and
had a very extensive knowledge of literary history, of books,
editions, and printing. The continual pains, however,
which he bestowed on this library, and on his own publications, undermined his constitution, which was originally
delicate, and brought on a complaint in the chest, which
proved fatal, Aug. 13, 1721, in the fifty. sixth year of his
life. His time for many years had been divided between
devotion and study; he allowed very little to sleep, and
less to the table. Although a man of extensive knowledge,
and often consulted, he was equally modest and unaffected.
In all his researches he shewed much acuteness and judgment, but the course of his studies had alienated him from
works of taste and imagination, for which he had little relish. His principal object was the ascertaining of truth in
matters of literary history; and the recovery of dates and
other minutiae, on which he was frequently obliged to
bestow the time that seemed disproportionate, was to him
a matter of great importance, nor was he to be diverted
from such accuracy by his friend Malbranche, who did not
think philosophy concerned in such matters. “Truth,
”
said Le Long, “is so valuable, that we ought not to
neglect it even in trifles.
” His works are, 1. “Methode
Hebraique du P. Renou,
” Bibliotheca
Sacra, sive syllabus omnium ferme Sacrse Scripture eclitionum ac versionum,
” Paris, Discours historique sur les principales Editions des Bibles
Polyglottes,
” Paris, Histoire des demelez du pape Boniface VIII. avec Philippe Le Bel, roi de France,
” 1718, 12mo, a posthumous
work of M. Baillet, to which Le Long added some documents illustrating that period of French history. 5. “Bibliotheque Historique de France,
”
, an eminent sculptor, was born at Paris in November 1666. From his infancy he made so
, an eminent sculptor, was born at Paris in November 1666. From his infancy he made so rapid a progress in the art of designing, that, at eighteen, the celebrated Girardon intrusted him with the care of teaching his children, and of correcting the designs of his disciples. He committed to him also, in conjunction with Noulisson, the execution of the famous tomb of cardinal Richelieu in the Sorbonne, and of his own tomb at St. Landres, in Paris. On his return from Rome, he finished several pieces at Marseilles, which had been left imperfect by the death of M. Pu-get. He was received into the academy of sculpture, Oct. 1701, when he composed his Galatea for his chef d'ceuvre, a work universally esteemed. Lorrain afterwards made a Bacchus for the gardens at Versailles, a fawn for those at Marli, and several bronzes; among others, an Andromeda, &c. The academy elected him professor May 29, 1717; and he died their governor June 1, 1743, aged 77.
, an Augustine friar, and geographer to the French king, was born at Paris, Jan. 29, 1624, took the monk’s habit early, passed
, an Augustine friar, and geographer to the French king, was born at Paris, Jan. 29, 1624,
took the monk’s habit early, passed through all the offices
of his order, became provincial-general of the province of
France, and at last assistant- general of the Augustine
monks of France at Rome. He applied himself particularly to the subject of the benefices of France, and of the
abbies of Italy, and acquired that exact knowledge which
enabled him to compose, both in France and at Rome,
' The Geographical Mercury;“” Notes upon the Roman
Martyrology, describing the places marked in it;“”A
history of the French Abbeys;“” The present state of the
Abbeys of Italy;“” Orbis Augustinianus, or an account
of all the houses of his order;“with a great number of
maps and designs, engraved by himself, a very curious
work in oblong quarto. He also wrote notes upon
” Plutarch’s Lives -,“and we have geographical tables of his,
printed with the French translation of Plutarch by the
abbe* Tallemant. He also prepared for the press notes to
archbishop
” Usher’s Chronology;“”A Description of Lapland;“and several other works; especially
” A Geography of all the places mentioned in the Bible,“which is
prefixed to
” Usher’s Annalsi“He likewise wrote notes
upon.
” Stephanas de urbibus." He died in the convent of
the Augustine fathers in St. Germain, at Paris, March
17, 1695, aged seventy-one.
, a learned French priest, was born at Paris about 1640, and pursued his divinity studies at
, a learned French priest, was born at
Paris about 1640, and pursued his divinity studies at the
university of his native city, where he took his degrees.
About this time he was appointed secretary to the council
for managing the domains and finances of the queen, consort to Lewis XIV.; and when he took holy orders, in 1685,
he was immediately appointed canon and rector of the
church of St. Opportune, at Paris. He was a very diligent student as well in profane as in sacred literature, and
was celebrated for his popular talents as a preacher. He
died in 1721, leaving behind him a great number of works
that do honour to his memory, of which we shall mention
“A chronological, historical, and moral abridgment of
the Old and New Testament,
” in 2 vols. 4to “Scriptural
Knowledge, reduced into four tables;
” a French version
of the apocryphal “Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs;
”
of which Grosseteste, bishop of Lincoln, gave the first
Latin translation, Grabe the first Greek edition, from
Mss. in the English universities, and Whiston an English
version (S The History of the Four Ciceros,“in which he attempts to prove, that the sons of Cicero were as illustrious as their father. Mace (Thomas), a practitioner on the lute, but more
distinguished among lovers of music by a work entitled
” Music’s Monument, or a Remembrancer of the best
practical Music, both divine and civil, that has ever been
known to have been in the world," 1676, folio, was born
in 1613, and became one of the clerks of Trinity-college,
Cambridge. He does not appear to have held any considerable rank among musicians, nor is he celebrated
either as a composer or practitioner on the lute: yet his
book is a proof that he was an excellent judge of the instrument; and contains such variety of directions for the
ordering and management of it, and for performing on it,
as renders it a work of great utility. It contains also many
particulars respecting himself, many traits of an original
and singular character; and a vein of humour which, far
from being disgusting, exhibits a lively portraiture of a
good-natured gossiping old man. Dr. Burney recommends
its perusal to all who have taste for excessive simplicity
and quaintness, and can extract pleasure from the sincere
and undissembled happiness of an author, who, with exalted notions of his subject and abilities, discloses to his
reader every inward working of self-approbation in as undisguised a manner, as if he were communing with himself
in all the plenitude of mental comfort and privacy. There
is a print of him prefixed to his book, from an engraving
of Faithorne, the inscription under which shews him to
have been sixty-three in 1676: how long he lived afterwards, is not known. He had a wife and children.
, a Jesuit, was born at Paris in 1651, and was professor of rhetoric in his
, a Jesuit, was born at Paris in
1651, and was professor of rhetoric in his society, doctor
of divinity, and rector of the Jesuits college at Rouen,
then of the college de Clermont at Paris. He died March
15, 1619, aged 58. He published under the name of
Callus, or Le Cocq, which was his mother’s name, “Jo.
Galii jurisconsult! notationes in Historiam Thuani,
” Ingoldstadt, History of transactions in China and Japan, taken from letters
written 1621 and 1622,
” Paris, 1627, 8vo. John Baptist de Machault, another Parisian Jesuit, who died May
22, 1640, aged 29, after having been rector of the colleges
at Nevers and Rouen, left “Gesta a Soc. Jes. in Regno
Sinensi, ^thiopico, et Tibetano;
” and some other works of
the historical kind, but of little reputation. James de
, a French lawyer, chiefly celebrated for his chronological abridgments after the manner of Henault, was born at Paris, Feb. 15, 1720, and educated at the university
, a French lawyer, chiefly celebrated for his chronological abridgments after the manner
of Henault, was born at Paris, Feb. 15, 1720, and educated at the university of that city. Here he gave the most
promising hopes of success in any of the learned professions, and had in particular attached himself to the law;
but weak lungs preventing him from entering into the
active occupations of a pleader, he devoted himself to general literature, and produced the following works 1.
“Abrege Chronologique de l'Histoire Ecclesiastique,
”
a chronological abridgment of Ecclesiastical History, in
three volumes, octavo, written more drily and less elegantly than that of Henault, whom the author followed.
2. “Les Annales Romaines,
” Abreg6 Chronologique de l‘Histoire d’Espagne et de
Portugal,
” 2 vols. 8vo, 1759 1765. This work, which
was actually begun by Henault, is worthy of him in point
of exactness; but neither affords such striking portraits,
nor such profound remarks. Lacombe, another author
celebrated for this kind of compilation, assisted also in this.
Macquer had some share in writing the “Dictionaire des
Arts et Metiers,
” 2 vols. 8vo. He was industrious, gentle,
modest, sincere, and a decided enemy to all quackery and
ostentation. He had little imagination, but a sound judgment; and had collected a great abundance and variety of
useful knowledge. He died the 27th of January, 1770.
, brother to the preceding, an eminent physician and chemist, was born at Paris, Oct. 9, 171S, and became a doctor of the' faculty
, brother to the preceding, an
eminent physician and chemist, was born at Paris, Oct. 9,
171S, and became a doctor of the' faculty of medicine in
the university of that metropolis, professor of pharmacy,
and censor-royal. He was, likewise, a member of the
academies of sciences of Turin, Stockholm, and Paris, and
conducted the medical and chemical departments of the
Journal des Sgavans. He had the merit of pursuing chemistry as a department of natural philosophy, and was
one of the most successful cultivators of the science, upon
rational principles, previous to the new modelling which it
has received within the last twenty-five years. He died
Feb. 15, 1784, after having suffered much by an internal
complaint, which appeared beyond the reach of skill. On
this account he desired that his body might be opened,
when it was discovered that his disorder was an ossification
of the aorta, with strong concretions formed in the cavity
of the heart. Mr. Macquer’s private character appears to
have been truly amiable in every relation, and few men
were more respected by his contemporaries. He published,
1. “Elemens de Chymie Theorique,
” Elemens de Chymie Pratique,
” 2 vols. 12mo. 3. “Plan
d'un Cours de Chymie experimentale et raisonnee,
” ,
who was associated with him in his lectures. 4.
” Dictionnaire de Chymie,“1766, 2 vols. 8vo. These works
have all been translated into English and German; the
Dictionary particularly, by Mr. Keir, with great additions
and improvements. 5.
” Formulae Medicamentorum Magistralium,“1763 and he had also a share in the compoposition of the
” Pharmacopeia Parisiensis," of 1758.
the accounts, and Catherine Arnauld, sister of the celebrated M. Arnauld, doctor of the Sorbonne. He was born at Paris, May 2, 1603. He appeared very early as a pleader,
. France has produced several great men of the name of Maistre, and among them
Giles le Maistre, celebrated as an incorruptible magistrate
in the corrupt times of Francis I. and Henry II. Antony
le Maistre seems to have been of a different family, being
the son of Isaac le Maistre, master of the accounts, and
Catherine Arnauld, sister of the celebrated M. Arnauld,
doctor of the Sorbonne. He was born at Paris, May 2, 1603.
He appeared very early as a pleader, and with uncommon
success, but from religious feelings gave up his pursuits,
and retired to the society of Port-Royal, where his
piety and mortification became conspicuous. “I have been
busy,
” said he, “in pleading the causes of others, I am
now studying to plead my own.
” He died Nov. 4, 1658,
aged fifty-one. Of his works, there have been published,
1. “Pleadings;
” of the elegant style of which, Perrault
speaks in the highest terms of approbation. 2. “A Translation of Chrysostom de Sacerdotio,
” with an elegant preface, 12mo. 3. “A life of St. Bernard, under the name
of the sieur Lancy, 4to and 8vo. 4. Translations of geveral writings of St. Bernard. 5. Several publications in
favour of the Society of Port-Royal. 6.
” The Life of
Don Barth61emi des Martyrs," in 8vo, esteemed a very
well-written composition); but some biographers have attributed this to his brother, the subject of our next article.
, more known under the name of Sacy (Isaac inverted), was brother of the former, and was born at Paris, in 1613, where he was also educated. After pursuing
, more known under the
name of Sacy (Isaac inverted), was brother of the former,
and was born at Paris, in 1613, where he was also educated. After pursuing his studies with the greatest success
under Du Verger, the abbé of St. Cyran, and other eminent teachers, he was admitted to the priesthood in 1648.
His reputation gained him the office of confessor to the
society of Port Royal; but that house being accused of
Jansenism, he was involved in the persecution; was obliged
to conceal himself in 1661; and in 1666 was confined in
the Bastille. In that prison he composed some important
works, particularly a translation of the whole Bible, which
was finished on the eve of All-saints, 1668; and on the
same day he obtained his liberty, after being confined two
years and a half. When this work was presented to the
king and his minister, le Maistre desired no other reward
than that of being allowed frequently to visit the Bastille,
to inspect the state of the prisoners. Some writers assert
that during his confinement, he composed a history of the
Old and New Testament, in one volume, under the name
of Royaumont, a work known in this, country by a translation in 4to, published about the beginning of the last century, with nearly 300 plates but others ascribe it to
Nicholas Fontaine. Le Maistre remained at Paris till 1675,
when he retired to Port-Royal but was obliged in 1679
to quit it, and retired to Pompona, where he died, at the
age of seventy-one, in 1684. His works are, 1. His
translation of the Bible, with explanations of the literal
and spiritual sense taken from the fathers; in which part
he was assisted by du Fosse, Hure“, and le Tourneaux.
This work was published at Paris, in 1682, and several
subsequent years, in 32 vols. 8vo. Several other editions
have been printed, but this is on the whole esteemed the
best. 2. A translation of the Psalms, from the Hebrew
and the Vulgate together. 3. A translation of the Homilies of St. Chrysostom on St. Matthew, in 3 vols. 8vo.
4. A translation of Kempis on the Imitation of Christ, under the name of de Beuil, prior of S. Val, Paris, 1663,
8vo. 5. A translation of Phaedrus, under the name of St.
Aubin, 12mo. 6. Three comedies of Terence, 12mo. 7.
The Letters of Bongars, published under the rj^me of
Brianville. 8. The poem of St. Prosper, on ingratitude,
rendered in verse and prose. 9.
” Les enluminures de
l'Almanach des Jesuites,“1654, 12mo; an attack upon
the Jesuits, which was so far relished as to be reprinted in
1733. 10.
” Heures de Port-Royal,“called by the Jesuits
Hours of Jansenism, 12mo. 11.
” Letters of Piety," in
2 vols. 8vo, published at Paris in 1690. The merits of
this author are fully displayed in the memoirs of PortRoyal, written by Nicholas Fontaine, and published at
Cologne, in 1738, in 2 vols. 12mo.
, a French philosopher, was born at Paris, Aug. 6, 1638, and was first placed under a domestic
, a French philosopher,
was born at Paris, Aug. 6, 1638, and was first placed under
a domestic tutor, who taught him Greek and Latin. He
afterwards went through a course of philosophy at the college of la Marche, and that of divinity in the Sorbonne;
and was admitted into the congregation of the Oratory at
Paris, in 1660, After he had spent some time there, he
consulted father le Cointe, in what manner he should pursue his studies; who advised him to apply himself to ecclesiastical history. Upon this he began to read Eusebius,
Socrates, Sozomen, and Theodoret; but soon grew weary
of this study, and next applied himself to father Simon,
who recommended Hebrew, Arabic, Syriac, rabbinical
learning, and critical inquiries into the sense of the Scriptures. But this kind of study was not at all more suitable
to his genius, than the former. At last, in 1664, he met
with Des Cartes’s “Treatise upon Man,
” which he read
over with great satisfaction, and devoted himself immediately to the study of his philosophy; of which, in a few
years, he became as perfect a master as Des Cartes himself. In 1699, he was admitted an honorary member of
the royal academy of sciences. He died Oct. 13, 1715,
being then seventy-seven years of age. From the time
that he began to read Des Cartes, he studied only to enlighten his mind, and not to furnish his memory; so that
he knew a great deal, though he read but little. He
avoided every thing that was mere erudition; an insect
pleased him much more than all the Greek and Roman
history. He despised likewise that kind of learning, which
consists only in knowing the opinions of different philosophers; since it was his opinion that a person may easily
know the history of other men’s thoughts, without ever
thinking at all himself. Such was his aversion to poetry,
that he could never read ten verses together without disgust. He meditated with his windows shut, in order to
keep out the light, which he found to be a disturbance to
him. His conversation turned upon the same subjects as
his books, but was mixed with so much modesty and deference to the judgment of others, that it was much
courted. Few foreigners, who were men of learning, neglected to visit him when they came to Paris: and it is said,
that an English officer, who was taken prisoner during die
war between William III. and the king of France, was
content with his lot, when he was. brought to Paris, because it gave him an opportunity to see Louis XIV. and
father Malebranche.
, a French author, a man of extensive and almost universal learning, was born at Paris in 1650. By Bossuet, and the duke of Montausier,
, a French author, a man of
extensive and almost universal learning, was born at Paris
in 1650. By Bossuet, and the duke of Montausier, who
knew his merit, he was appointed preceptor to the duke of
Maine; and the public in general approved the choice. In
1696 Malezieu was chosen to instruct the duke of Burgundy in mathematics. In 1699 he became a member of
the academy of sciences, and in two years after of the
French academy. The duke of Maine rewarded his care
of him by appointing him the chief of his council, and
chancellor of Dombes. Under the regency of the duke of
Orleans he was involved in the disgrace which fell upon
the duke his pupil, and was imprisoned for two years.
He had an excellent constitution, which, aided by regularity, conducted him nearly to the close of life without
any indisposition. He died of an apoplexy on March
4, 1727, at the age of seventy-seven. Notwithstanding
the vast extent of his learning, and many occupations
which required great attention, he had an easy and unembarrassed air; his conversation was lively and agreeable,
and his manners polite and attentive. He published, 1.
“Elements of Geometry, for the duke of Burgundy,
” Polichtnelle demandant une place a l'Academie.
” He had, among
other talents, that of translating the Greek authors into
French, particularly the tragic writers, in a style of harmony and energy of verse, whieh approached as nearly,
perhaps, as any thing in his language could do, to the
excellence of the originals.
, a distinguished mathematician, philosopher, and military engineer, was born at Paris July 23, 1775. His first education was principally
, a distinguished mathematician, philosopher, and military engineer, was born at
Paris July 23, 1775. His first education was principally
directe'd to classical and polite literature, and at seventeen
years of age he composed a tragedy in five acts, called
“The Death of Cato.
” These pursuits, however, did not
prevent him from a study apparently not very compatible,
that of the mathematics; for at the above age he passed an
examination which gained him admittance into the school
of engineers. After having distinguished himself there by
his genius for analysis, he was about to leave it in quality
of officer of military engineers, but was rejected on political grounds, and as this repulse deprived him of all hope
of promotion there, he repaired to the army in the north,
where he was incorporated in the 15th battalion of Paris,
and was employed as a common soldier in the fortifications
of Dunkirk. The officer of engineers, who superintended
those works, perceiving that Malus was deserving of a
better station, represented his merits to the government,
and he was recalled and sent to the Polytechnic school,
where he was soon appointed to the analytic course in the
absence of M. Monge. Being now re-established in his
former rank at the date of his first nomination, he succeeded almost immediately to that of captain, and was employed at the school at Metz as professor of mathematics.
, a miscellaneous French writer, was born at Paris, Aug. 15, 1750, and was bred up to the bar, which
, a miscellaneous
French writer, was born at Paris, Aug. 15, 1750, and was
bred up to the bar, which he quitted for the more general
pursuits of literature. He became librarian to the Mazarine college, and from time to time published a great many
works, on various subjects of polite literature, criticism,
manners, poetry, &c. most of which shew considerable genius and learning, and all were well received by the public. His very amiable private character appears to have
procured him many friends and much respect, although his
principles were not always sound, his person had little to
recommend it, and an impediment in his speech rendered
his conversation somewhat painful. He retired to the
country about the close of his life, as he said, “that he
might enjoy the sun more at his ease.
” He died at Montrouge, Jan. 18, 1805. His principal works are: 1. “De
Bergeries,
” Le Temple de Hymen,
”
Bibliotheque des Amans,
” Tombeau de J. J. Rousseau,
” Le
Livre de tous les ages,
” Fcagmens d'un
poeme moral sur Dieu, ou, Nouvelle Lucrece,
” L‘age d’or,
” Prophetic d'Arlamek,
” 12mo.
9. “Livre echappe
” au deluge,“1784, 12mo, a collection
of psalms in the orie'ntal style, of which the moral is pure;
but we are told it afforded his enemies a pretence to get
him dismissed from his office of librarian to the Mazarine
college. 10.
” Recueil des poetes moralistes Franais r “1784, 2 vols. 18mo. 11.
” Costumes civils actuels de tous
les peuples,“1784, 4to. 12.
” Tableau de la fable,“1787. 13.
” Paris et la Province, ou Choix des plus beaux
moriumens d'architecture en France,“1787. 14.
” Catechisme de cure 1 Meslier,“1789, 8vo. 15.
” Dictionnaire
d'amour,“1789, 16mo. 16.
” Le Pantheon, ou les figures
de la fable, avec leurs histoires,“1791, 8vo. 17.
” Almanee des honnetes gens,“1788, a publication containing
some impieties, for which he suffered imprisonment. 18.
”Decades tlu cultivateur,“2 vols. 18mo. 19.
” Voyage de
Pythagore,“1798, 16 vols. 8vo, in imitation of the Anacharsis of Barthelemi, but greatly inferior. 20.
” Dictionnaire
des athees," 1800. He was also the author of prefaces
and introductions to various collections of engravings, as
the hjstory of Greece, 1795, 5 vols. 4to, the Florence Museum, 6 vols. 4to, &C.
of genius under his eminence;” which in French is a pun, as genie means genius and engineers/lip. He was born at Paris in 1595. He has left us himself a picture of his
, de Saint Sorlin, was a man of
getiius, and a favourite of cardinal Richelieu, who used to
receive him at his retired hours, and unbend his mind by
conversing with him upon gay and delicate subjects. On.
this account, and because he assisted the cardinal in the
tragedies he composed, Bayle used to say, that “he possessed an employment of genius under his eminence;
”
which in French is a pun, as genie means genius and engineers/lip. He was born at Paris in 1595. He has left
us himself a picture of his morals, which is by no means
advantageous; for he owns that, in order to triumph over
the virtue of such women as objected to him the interest
of their salvation, he made no scruple to lead them into
atheistical principles. “I ought,
” says he, “to weep tears
of blood, considering the bad use I have made of my address among the ladies; for I have used nothing but specious falsehoods, malicious subtleties, and infamous treacheries, endeavouring to ruin the souls of those I pretended to love. I studied artful speeches to shake, blind,
and seduce them; and strove to persuade them, that vice
was virtue, or at least a thing natural and indifferent.
”
Marets at length became a visionary and fanatic; dealt in
nothing but inward lights and revelations; and promised
the king of France, upon the strength of some prophecies,
whose meaning be tells us was imparted to him from above,
that he should have the honour of overthrowing the Mahometan empire. “This valiant prince,
” says he, “shall
destroy and expel from their dominions impiety and heresy,
and reform the ecclesiastics, the courts of justice, and the
finances. After this, in common agreement with the king
of Spain, he shall summon together all the princes of
Europe, with the pope, in order to re-unite all the Christians to the true and only catholic religion. After all the
heretics are re-united to the holy see, the king, as’eldest
son of the chu/ch, shall be declared generalissimo of all
the Christians, and, with the joint forces of Christendom,
shall destroy by sea and land the Turkish enapire, and law
of Mahomet, and propagate the faith and dominion of Jesus Christ over the whole earth:
” that is to say, over Persia,
the empire of the great mogul, Tartary, and China.
His niece, Mary Dupre', was born at Paris, and educated by her uncle. She was endowed with
His niece, Mary Dupre', was born at Paris, and educated by her uncle. She was endowed with a happy genius and a retentive memory. After reading most of the principal French authors, she learnt Latin, and went through Cicero, Ovid, Quintus Curtius, and Justin. With these books she made herself so familiarly acquainted, that her uncle proceeded to teach her the Greek language, the arts of rhetoric and versification, and philosophy; not that scholastic philosophy which is made up of sophistry and ridiculous subtleties, but a system drawn from the purer sources of sense and nature. She studied Descartes with such application, that she got the surname of la Cartesienne. She likewise made very agreeable verses in her own language, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the Italian. She held a friendly and literary correspondence with several of the learned her contemporaries, as also with the mademoiselles de Scudefi and de la Vigne. The answers of Isis to Climene, that is to mademoiselle de la Vigne, in the select pieces of poetry published by father Bouhours, are by this ingenious and learned lady.
, a celebrated French writer of the drama and of romance, was born at Paris in 1688. His father was of a good family in Normandy;
, a celebrated French writer of the drama and of romance, was
born at Paris in 1688. His father was of a good family in
Normandy; his fortune was considerable, and he spared
nothing in the education of his son, who discovered uncommon talents, and a most amiable disposition. His first
object was the theatre, where he met with the highest
success in comic productions; and these, with the merit of
his other works, procured him a place in the French academy. The great object of both his comedies and romances was, to convey an useful moral under the veil of
wit and sentiment: “my only object,
” says he, “is to
make men more just and more humane;
” and he was as
amiable in his life and conversation as in his writings.
He was compassionate and humane, and a strenuous advocate for morality and religion. To relieve the indigent,
to console the unfortunate, and to succour the oppressed,
were duties which he not only recommended by his writings, but by his own practice and example. He would
frequently ridicule the excessive credulity of infidels in
matters of trivial importance; and once said to lord Bolingbroke, who was of that character, “If you cannot believe, it is not for want of faith.
”
, a French historian of some credit, was born at Paris in 16*7. He took the habit of a canon regular
, a French historian of some
credit, was born at Paris in 16*7. He took the habit of a
canon regular of St. Gdnevieve, and was sent to regulate the
chapter of Usez, where he was made provost. This office
he resigned in favour of the abbe Poncet, who was afterwards bishop of Angers. Some time after, he was made
archdeacon of Usez, and died in that city Aug. 30, 1724,
at the age of 78. Marsollier published several histories,
which are still read by his countrymen with some pleasure:
the style, though occasionally debased by low and familiar
expressions, being in general rather lively and flowing.
There are extant by him, 1. “A History of Cardinal Ximenes,
” in A History
of Henry VII. King of England,
” reprinted in 1727, in
2 vols. 12mo. Some consider this as the master-piece of
the author. 3. “The History of the Inquisition and its
origin,
” Life of St. Francis de Sales,
” 2
vols. 12mo. 5. “The Life of Madame de Chantal,
” 2 vols.
12mo. 6. “The Life of Dom Ranqe, abbe and reformer
of La Trappe,
” Dialogues on
many Duties of Life,
” The History of Henry de la Tour d'Auvergne, duke of Bouillon,
” 3 vols. 12mo. Not much
esteemed. 9. “An Apology for Erasmus,
” 12mo; whose
catholic orthodoxy the author undertakes to prove from
passages in his works. 10. “A History of Tenths, and
other temporal Goods of the Church,
” Paris,
, a Latin poet, and miscellaneous writer, was born at Paris, and entered early into the society of Jesuits,
, a Latin poet, and miscellaneous writer, was born at Paris, and entered early
into the society of Jesuits, where he displayed and cultivated very excellent literary talents. When he was hardly
twenty, he published some Latin poems which gained him
credit. His religious opinionsbeing soon found too bold
for the society to which he belonged, he was obliged to
quit it; and having published in 1754, an “Analysis of
Bayle,
” in 4 vols. 12mo, he fell into still greater and perhaps more merited disgrace. His books were proscribed
by the parliament of Paris, and himself shut up in the
Bastile. This book contains a compilation of the most
offensive matter contained in the volumes of Bayle, and
has since been republished in Holland, with four additional
volumes. Having, for a time, regained his liberty, he
was proceeding in his modern history (a work of which he had already published some volumes), when he died suddenly in December 1763. Besides the analysis of Bayle,
already mentioned, he published, I. The History of
Mary Stuart,“1742, 3 vols. 12mo, a correct and elegant
work, in which he was assisted by Fréron. 2.
” Memoires
de Melvill,“translated from the English, 1745, S^vols.
12mo. 3.
” Abridged Dictionary of Painting and Architecture,“2 vols. 12mo. 4.
” Le Rabelais moderne,“or
the works of Rabelais made intelligible to readers in geaeral, 1752, 8 vols. 12mo. This is by no means executed
in a manner either satisfactory to the reader, or creditable
to the author. Some of the obscurities are removed or
explained, but all that is offensive to decency is left.
5.
” The Prince,“translated from father Paul, 1751.
6.
” The Modern History, intended to serve as a continuation of Rollin’s Ancient History,“in 26 vols. 12mo.
This is written with regularity, but little elegance. The
abbe Marsy has since had a continuator in Richer, who has
written with less order, but more profundity of research,
especially respecting America and Russia. 7.
” Pictura,"
in 12mo, 1756. This poem on painting, is considered as less
learned in the art, and in that respect less instructive, than
that of du Fresnoy; but he has shown himself a more pure
and original Latin poet. There is also a poem in Latin by
this author, on tragedy. The opinion of his countrymen
is, that his fame rests principally on these Latin poems,
and that there was nothing brilliant in his literary career
afterwards.
, an eminent French accoucheur, was born at Paris, where he applied with great industry to the study
, an eminent French accoucheur, was born at Paris, where he applied with great
industry to the study and practice of surgery, for many
years, especially in the great hospital, the Hotel-Dieu.
He had already acquired there so much experience in
the obstetrical department before he commenced public
practice, that he rose almost at once to the head of his
profession. His reputation was farther increased by his
writings, and maintained by his prudent conduct and acknowledged skill during a series of years; after which he
quitted practice entirely, and retired into the country,
where he died Oct. 17, 1709, at an advanced age. His
works, which are more useful for the facts than the reasoning they contain, are, 1. “Traite des Maladies des
Femmes grosses, et de celles qui sont accouchées,
” Paris,
Aphorismes touchant l'Accouchement, la
Grossesse, et les Maladies des Femraes,
” ibid. Observations sur la Grossesse et l'Accouchement des Femmes, et sur leurs Maladies,
et celles des Enfans nouveaux ne*s,
” ibid. Dernieres Observations sur les Maladies des Femmes
.
grosses et accouchées,
” 1708, ibid. 4to which contains
an additional collection of cases. The whole of these
works were collected and reprinted together after his death,
in 1712, and subsequently, with figures.
, a writer on the history of the saints, was born at Paris in 1587, and became a Benedictine of the congregation
, a writer on the history
of the saints, was born at Paris in 1587, and became a
Benedictine of the congregation of St. Maur, among whom
he was one of the first who applied severely to study. He
died Jan. 21, 1644, at the age of fifty-seven. We have
by him, 1. “Marty rologium San m ordinis S. Benedicti,
”
Concordia Regularum,
” a comparison of the
life of St. Benedict, with the rules of his order. 3. “Sacramentarium Sancti Gregorii Magni,
” Diatriba deunico Dionysio,
”
, a learned French canonist, was born at Paris, March 17, 1698. In his younger years he went
, a learned French canonist, was
born at Paris, March 17, 1698. In his younger years he
went through a complete course of education, and even
then gave proofs of those talents in theology and general
literature which constituted the reputation of his future
life. After studying with care and success the Oriental
languages, the holy Scriptures, the fathers, church history, and the canon law, he received his degree of doctor
of divinity in April 1722. After this his attention was
particularly directed to the history and antiquities of the
laws and customs of his country, which made him often be
consulted by political and professional men, and procured
him the esteem and confidence, among others, of the celebrated chancellor D'Aguesseau. Mignot, however, amidst
these advantages, which opened an easy way to promotion,
indulged his predilection for a retired life, and was so little
desirous of public notice that he seldom, if ever, put his
name to his works; but he was not allowed to remain in
obscurity, and, although somewhat late in life, he was
elected a member of the academy of inscriptions, to whose
memoirs he furnished some excellent papers on topics of
ancient history. He died July 25, 1771, in the seventythird year of his age, leaving the following works, which
were all much esteemed in France: 1. “Trait 6 des prets
de commerce,
” Paris, Les Droits de l'etat et du prince sur les
biens du clerge,
” Histoire des
demeles de Henry II, avec St. Thomas de Cantorbery,
”
1756, 12mo, a work, if well executed, of some importance
in English history. 4. “Histoire de la reception du Concile de Trente dans les etats catholiques,
” Amst. Paraphrase sur les Psaumes,
” and some
paraphrases on other parts of the Bible. He published
also a few religious works, a Memoir on the liberties of the
Gallican church, and “La Verite de l'Histoire de PEglise
de St. Omer,
”
, the celebrated comic writer of France, whose original name was Pocquelin, was born at Paris about 1620. He was both son and grandson to valets
, the celebrated comic writer of France, whose original name was
Pocquelin, was born at Paris about 1620. He was both
son and grandson to valets de chambres on one side, and
tapissiers on the other, to Louis XIII. and was designed for
the latter business, that of a domestic upholsterer, whose
duty was to take care of the furniture of the royal apartments. But the grandfather being very fond of the boy,
and at the same time a great lover of plays, used to take
him often with him to the hotel de Bourgogne; which presently roused up Moliere’s natural genius and taste for dramatic representations, and created in him such a disgust to
his intended employment, that at last his father consented
to let him study under the Jesuits, at the college of Clermont. During the five years that he resided here, he made
a rapid progress in the study of philosophy and polite literature, and, if we mistake not, acquired even now much
insight into the varieties of human character. He had
here also an opportunity of contracting an intimate friendship with Chapelle, Bernier, and Cyrano. Chapelle, with
whom Bernier was an associate in his studies, had the famous Gassendi for his tutor, who willingly admitted Moliere to his lectures, as he afterwards also admitted Cyrano.
When Louis XIII. went to Narbonne, in 1641, his studies
were interrupted: for his infirm father, not being able to
attend the court, Moliere was obliged to go there to supply his place. This, however, he quitted on his fathers
death; and his passion for the stage, which had induced
him first to study, revived more strongly than ever. Some
have said, that he for a time studied the law, and was admitted an advocate. This seems doubtful, but, if true, he
soon yielded to those more lively pursuits which made him
the restorer of comedy in France, and the coadjutor of
Corneille, who had rescued the tragic Muse from barbarism. The taste, indeed, for the drama, was much improved in France, after cardinal de Richelieu granted a
peculiar protection to dramatic poets. Many little societies now made it a diversion to act plays in their own
houses; in one of which, known by the name of “The
illustrious Theatre,
” Moliere entered himself; and it was
then, in conformity to the example of the actors of that
time, that he changed his name of Pocquelin for that of
Moliere, which he retained ever after. What became of
him from 1648 to 1652 we know not, this interval being
the time of the civil wars, which caused disturbances in
Paris; but it is probable, that he was employed in composing some of those pieces which were afterwards exhibited to the public. La Bejart, an actress of Champagne,
waiting, as well as he, for a favourable time to display her
talents, Moliere was particularly kind to her; and as their
interests became mutual, they formed a company together, and went to Lyons in 1653, where Moliere produced
his first play, called “L'Etourdi,
” or the Blunderer, and
appeared in the double character of author and actor.
I his drew almo_st all the spectators from the other company of comedians, which was settled in that town; some
of which company joined with Moliere, and followed him
to Beziers in Languedoc, where he offered his services to
the prince of Co'nti, who gladly accepted them, as he had
known him at college, and was among the first to predict
his brilliant career on the stage. He now received him as
a friend; and not satisfied with confiding to him the management of the entertainments which he gave, he offered
to make him his secretary, which the latter declined, saying, “I am a tolerable author, but I should make a very
bad secretary.
” About the latter end of were so well approved, that his majesty gave orders for
their settlement at Paris. The hall of the Petit Bourbon
was granted them, to act by turns with the Italian players.
In 1663, Moliere obtained a pension of a thousand livres:
and, in 1665, his company was altogether in his majesty’s
service. He continued all the remaining part of his life
to give new plays, which were very much and very justly
applauded: and if we consider the number of works which
he composed in about the space of twenty years, while he
was himself all the while an actor, and interrupted, as he
must be, by perpetual avocations of one kind or other,
we cannot fail to admire the quickness, as well as fertility
of his genius; and we shall rather be apt to think with
Boileau,
” that rhime came to him,“than give credit to
some others, who say he
” wrote very slowly."
, a member of the French academy, was born at Paris in 1687. He was a very elegant writer, and his
, a member
of the French academy, was born at Paris in 1687. He
was a very elegant writer, and his works have gone through
various editions. His principal performances are, “An
Essay on the necessity and means of Pleasing,
” which is
an ingenious book of maxims. He wrote “Les Ames
Rivales,
” an agreeable romance, containing lively and
just descriptions of French manners. He was also author
of various pieces of poetry, small theatrical pieces, complimentary verses, madrigals, &c. Moncrif died at Paris
in 1770, at the age of eighty-three, and left behind him a
great character for liberality, and amiable manners.
, an ingenious and learned Frenchman, and one of the best writers of his time, was born at Paris in 1674. At sixteen he entered into the congregation
, an ingenious and
learned Frenchman, and one of the best writers of his time,
was born at Paris in 1674. At sixteen he entered into the
congregation of the fathers of the oratory, and was afterwards sent to Mans to learn philosophy. That of Aristotle
then obtained in the schools, and was the only one which
was permitted to be taught; nevertheless Mongault, with
some of that original spirit which usually distinguishes men
of uncommon abilities from the vulgar, ventured, in a
public thesis, which he read at the end of the course of
lectures, to oppose the opinions of Aristotle, and to maintain those of Des Cartes. Having studied theology with
the same success, he quitted the oratory in 1699; and
soon after went to Thoulouse, and lived with Colbert,
archbishop of that place, who had procured him a priory
in 1698. In 1710 the duke of Orleans, regent of the kingdom, committed to him the education of his son, the duke
of Chartres; which important office he discharged so well
that he acquired universal esteem. In 1714, he had the
abbey Chartreuve given him, and that of Vilieneuve in
1719. The duke of Chartres, becoming colonel-general
of the French infantry, chose the abbe* Mongault to fill the
place of secretary-general made him also secretary of the
province of Dauphiny and, after the death of the regent,
his father, raised him to other considerable employments.
All this while he was as assiduous as his engagements would
permit in cultivating polite literature; and, in 1714, published at Paris;, in 6 vols. 12mo, an edition of “Tully’s
Letters to Atticus,
” with an excellent French translation,
and judicious comment upon them. This work has been
often reprinted, and is justly reckoned admirable; for, as
Middleton has observed, in the preface to his “Life of
Cicero,
” the abbe Mongault “did not content himself with
the retailing the remarks of other commentators, or out of
the rubbish of their volumes with selecting the best, but
entered upon his task with the spirit of a true critic, and, by
the force of his own genius, has happily illustrated many
passages which all the interpreters before him had given
tip as inexplicable.
” He published also a very good translation of “Herodian,
” from the Greek, the best edition
of which is that of 1745, in 12mo. He died at Paris,
Aug. 15, 1746, aged almost seventy-two.
, an eminent French astronomer and mathematician, was born at Paris, Nov. 23, 1715. His education was chiefly directed
, an eminent French astronomer and mathematician, was born at Paris, Nov. 23, 1715. His education was chiefly directed to the sciences, to which he manifested an early attachment; and his progress was such that at the age of twenty-one, he was chosen as the co-operator of Maupertuis, in the measure of a degree of the meridian at the polar circle. At the period when the errors in Flamsteed’s catalogue of the stars began to be manifest, he undertook to determine anew the positions of the zodiacal stars as being the most useful to astronomers. In 1743 he traced at St. Sulpice a grand meridian line, in order to ascertain certain solar motions, and also the small variations in the obliquity of the ecliptic.
, an able mathematician, was born at Paris in the year 1678, and intended for the profession
, an able mathematician, was born at Paris in the year 1678, and intended
for the profession of the law, to enable him to qualify for
a place in the magistracy. From dislike of this destination,
he withdrew into England, whence he passed over into the
Low Countries, and travelled into Germany, where he resided with a near relation, M. Chambois, the plenipotentiary of France at the diet of Ratisbon. He returned to
France in 1699, and after the death of his father, who left
him an ample fortune, devoted his talents to the study of
philosophy and the mathematics, under the direction of the
celebrated Malehranche, to whom he had, some years before, felt greatly indebted for the conviction of the truth
of Christianity, by perusing his work on “The Search after
Truth.
” In The Application of Algebra to Geometry,
” and that of Newton on the “Quadrature of Curves.
”
In Analytical Essay on Games of
Chance,
” and an improved edition in Infinite Series,'
”
which was inserted in the Philosophical Transactions for
the year 1717. He was elected an associate of the Royal
Academy of Sciences at Paris in 1716, and died at the early
age of forty-one, of the small-pox. He sustained all the
relations of Hie in the most honourable manner, and though
subject to fits’ of passion, yet his anger soon subsided, and
he was ever ashamed of the irritability of his temper. Such
was his steady attention that he could resolve the most difficult problems in company, and among the noise of playful children. He was employed several years in writing
“A History of Geometry,
” but he did not live to complete it.
, son of the preceding, was born at Paris in April 1726, and after receiving the degree
, son of the preceding, was born at Paris in April 1726, and after receiving
the degree of doctor in medicine in 1750, was appointed
professor of anatomy. He likewise obtained a high reputation in his profession, was elected into many learned
bodies; and was appointed physician in ordinary to Stanislaus, king of Poland, and duke of Lorraine. He died
in the year 1784. He wrote “Histoire de la Maladie singuliere, et de Pexamen d'une femme devenue en peu de
terns contrefaite par un ramollissement general des os,
”
Paris, Nouvelle description des grottes d'Arcy,
”
Lyons, Lettre a M. le Hoi au sujet de I'Histoire
de la femme Suppiot,
” Paris, Eclaircissement
abrege sur la Maladie d'une fille de St. Geosme,
” and
“Recueil pour servir d'eclaircissement, &c.
” relating to
the same subject, Paris, Lettre sur ^Instrument
de Roonhuysen,
” Lettre sur la qustlite des Eaux
de Luxeuil en Tranche Comte,
” published m the Journal
de Verdun, March Memoire sur les Eaux Thermales de Bains en Lorraine,
” &c. in the Journal de Medecine, torn. VI. 1757. “Du Charbon de terre et de ses
Mines,
” fol. Eloge
” of his father, and a “Memoire sur la qualite dangereuse de l'emetique des Apothecaires de Lyons.
”
th century, to be classed with those whose scepticism and indelicacies have disgraced their talents, was born at Paris in 1588, of a family of gentlemen of the long
, a distinguished French writer in the seventeenth century, to be classed with those whose scepticism and indelicacies have disgraced their talents, was born at Paris in 1588, of a family of gentlemen of the long robe. He was himself educated for the bar, and long held the office which his father resigned to him, of substitute procurator-general to the parliament; but his love of polite literature induced him to desert his profession, and employ his time in study and writing. By this he acquired such reputation as to be received into the French academy in 1639, of which he was accounted one of the ablest members. When a tutor was to be appointed for Louis XIV. in 1644, it was generally supposed that La Alothe le Vayer would have been the man, and it certainly was so intended by cardinal Richelieu, both on account of an excellent work he had published on the education of the dauphin, and the reputation his other writings had acquired to him; but the queen having determined not to bestow the place on a married man> the design was dropt. It is probable that the queen’s object, in refusing a married man, was to prefer an ecclesiastic, of whose religious principles she might be secure; for those of Le Vayer were already more than suspected by his work De la Vertu de Payens."
, an ingenious French writer, was born at Paris, Jan. 17, 1672. He was educated in a seminary
, an ingenious
French writer, was born at Paris, Jan. 17, 1672. He was
educated in a seminary of Jesuits, and afterwards entered
on the study of the law, which he quitted for the stage,
as in his opinion affording the more brilliant prospect. His
first attempt, however, a comedy, miscarried, and he felt
the disgrace so acutely as to throw himself into the celebrated monastery of La Trappe, where he fancied he could
comply with its austerities; but after a few months he returned to the world, and produced some operas and pastorals, which had considerable success. His lyric efforts
were particularly applauded, and he now published a volume of odes; but in these, says D'Alembert, “the images
are scanty, the colouring feeble, and the harmony often
neglected.
” Dr. Warton had pronounced, long before,
that these odes, although highly praised by Sanadon, and
by Fontenelle, were fuller of delicate sentiment, and philosophical reflection, than of imagery, figures, and poetry.
There are particular stanzas eminently good, but not one
entire ode. So far the French and English critics seem to
agree. We learn also, from D'Alembert, that La Motte’s
odes were soon effaced by those of the celebrated Rousseau, who, with less wit, perhaps, than La Motte, had superior qualifications for the higher poetry. Yet, when these
rivals became competitors for a seat in the academy in 1710,
La Motte was preferred, from his having friends who loved
him, while Rousseau, from his repulsive temper, did not
possess one. La Motte succeeded Corneille in the academy, and, like him, was at this time nearly blind. He
very ingeniously made use of this calamity, in his discourse
at his reception, to interest his auditors. After having
spoken of the merit of his predecessor, he proceeded
“You have beheld him faithful to your duties till extreme
old age, infirm as he was, and already deprived of sight.
The mention of this circumstance makes rne feel the condition to which I am myself reduced. What age ravished
from my predecessor, I have lost from my youth. I must,
however, confess, that this privation of which I complain,
will no longer serve me as an excuse for ignorance you,
gentlemen, have restored me my sight you, by associating me with yourselves, have laid all books open to me;
and, since I am able to hear you, I no longer envy the
happiness of those who can read.
” La Motte soon after
became totally deprived of sight. He next ventured to
appear on a theatre more worthy of a poet’s ambition, and
produced the tragedy of the “Maccabees,
” concealing his
name. The critics found a great deal of merit in it while
this concealment lasted and some went so far as to conceive it a posthumous work of Racine but when he discovered himself, they withdrew their praises, or changed
them into censures; and the tragedy, being really of the
mediocre kind, disappeared from the stage. It was followed by others, of which “Ines de Castro
” obtained a
permanent place on the stage, notwithstanding many attacks from wit, malice, and arrogance; all which he bore
with good-humour. He was one day in a coffee-house, in
the midst of a swarm of literary drones, who were abusing
his work without knowing the author. He patiently heard
them a long time in silence, and then called out to a friend
who accompanied him, “Let us go and yawn at the fiftieth
representation of this unfortunate piece.
” At another
time, when told of the numerous criticisms made on his
tragedy, “It is true,
” said he, “it has been much criticised, but with tears.
”
, in Latin Molinæus, a celebrated lawyer, was born at Paris in 1500. His family was noble, and Papyrius mentions
, in Latin Molinæus, a celebrated lawyer, was born at Paris in 1500. His family was
noble, and Papyrius mentions “that those of the family of
Moulin were related to Elizabeth queen of England;
”
which she acknowledged herself in 1572, when conversing
with Francis duke of Montmorency, marshal of France and
ambassador to England. This relation probably came by
Thomas Bullen, or Boleyn, viscount of Rochefort, the
queen’s grandfather by the mother’s side; for Sanderus
and others say, “that this Rochefort being ambassador to
France, gave his daughter Anne of Bulloigne to a gentleman of Brie, a friend and relation of his, to take care of
her education; and this gentleman is supposed to be the
lord of Fontenay in Brie, of the family of du Moulin.
”
This branch came from Denys du Moulin, lord of Fontenay in Brie, archbishop of Thoulouse, patriarch of Antioch,
and bishop of Paris, where he died in 1447. The subject
of our memoir was at first educated at the university of
Paris, and afterwards studied law at Poitiers and Orleans,
at the latter of which cities he gave lectures on the subject
in 1521. In the following year he was received as an
advocate of parliament; but, owing to a defect in his speech,
was obliged to give up pleading, and confine himself to
chamber practice, and the composition of those works
which gained him so much reputation. He was an indefatigable student, and set such a value on time, that, contrary to the custom of his age, he had his beard close
shaven, that he might not lose any precious moments in
dressing it; but in his latter days he permitted it again to
grow. From the same love of study, he refused some valuable employments, and even took the resolution never to
marry; and that he might be equally free from every other
incumbrance, he gave the whole of his property to <rn
elder brother, reserving only for his maintenance the profits of his studies. It was not long, however, before he
had cause to repent of this uncommon liberality, as his
brother behaved to him in a brutal and unnatural way. To
revenge himself, he had recourse to an expedient suggested by his professional knowledge. He married, and
having children, he resumed, according to the law, the
possession of that property with which he had parted so
freely when a bachelor. It was in 1538 that he married
Louise de Beldon, daughter of the king’s secretary, a lady
of a most amiable and affectionate temper, who, instead of
being an incumbrance, as he once foolishly thought, proved
the great comfort of his life, and in some respect, the promoter of his studies, by her prudent care of those domestic
affairs of which literary men are generally very bad managers. She was also his consolation in the many difficulties in which he soon became embroiled. He was a man of
an ardent mind and warm temper, totally incapable of concealing his sentiments, particularly in the cause of truth
and justice, or regard to his country. Like many other
eminent men of that age, he embraced the principles of
the reformed religion, first according to the system of Calvin, but afterwards he adopted that of Luther, as contained
in the Augsburgh confession. On this account it is said
that the Calvinists endeavoured to make him feel their resentment, and even suspended their animosity against the
Roman catholics, that they might join with the latter in
attacking Du Moulin.
, son of the preceding, and a clergyman of the church of England, was born at Paris, about 1600. He studied at Leyden, where he was
, son of the preceding, and a
clergyman of the church of England, was born at Paris,
about 1600. He studied at Leyden, where he was admitted
to the degree of doctor of divinity. He afterwards came
to England, and was incorporated in the same degree at
the university of Cambridge. He was patronized by Richard, earl of Cork, who appointed him governor to his
sons, whom he afterwards accompanied to Oxford. Here
Du Moulin remained two years or more, and preached frequently in the church of St. Peter in the East. After the
restoration of Charles II. he was appointed chaplain in
ordinary to his majesty, and a prebendary of Canterbury,
in which city he spent the remainder of his life. He died
in 1684, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. He was
author of several works, of which we may mention, 1.
“The Peace of the Soul;
” a translation of which was
published by Dr. John Scrope, in 1765, 2 vols. 2. “A
Defence of the, Protestant Religion.
” Of this book the
reader may see a curious account in Gent. Mag. vol. XLIII.
p. 369. He was author of the famous work entitled “Regii Sanguinis Clamor ad Coelum,
” which was published at
the Hague, in
, an able mathematician, was born at Paris in 1585, and was educated to the law. He became
, an able mathematician, was
born at Paris in 1585, and was educated to the law. He
became counsellor to the Chatelet, and afterwards treasurer of France in the generality of Amiens, but was too
much attached to mathematical pursuits, and master of too
ample a fortune, to pursue his profession as a source of
emolument. He was the friend and acquaintance of Des
Cartes, and entered into a vindication of him, in the dispute which he had with M. Fermat, and was afterwards a
mediator of the peace which was made between those
learned men in 1638. In the same year Mydorge published
a Lutin treatise “On Conic Sections,
” in four bt oks,
which Meisenne has inserted in his “Abridgment of
Universal Geometry.
” In 1642, he and Des Cartes received
an invitation from sir Charles Cavendish to settle in England, which he declined, on the approach of the rebellion.
He died at Paris in 1647, in the sixty-third year of his
age. He was a practical mechanic, as well as an able mathematician, and spent more than a thousand crowns on
the fabrication of glasses for telescopes, burning mirrors,
mechanical engines, and mathematical instruments.
, a learned French writer and bibliographer, was born at Paris in the beginning of February 1600, and having
, a learned French
writer and bibliographer, was born at Paris in the beginning of February 1600, and having discovered a strong
inclination in his earliest years for reading, his parents
determined to give him every benefit of education. After
studying Latin, and being initiated in the principles of religion, in a community of the religious, he was sent to the
university, where he made such proficiency in humanity
and philosophy, as to be admitted to the degree of master
of arts much before the usual age. He then, principally
by the advice of his friends, began to study with a view to
the church; but this was not agreeable to his sentiments,
which were more free in matters of religion than consisted
with a cordial profession of the prevailing tenets. He
therefore soon preferred the study of medicine, and in 1626
attended the lectures with such application as to acquire a
name in the world. Henry de Mesmes, president-a-mortier, hearing of him, appointed him to that for which it
appeared afterwards he was best qualified, the office of librarian; and it was for this patron’s use that he wrote his
excellent little work, entitled “Avis pour dresser une
Bibliotheque,
” printed at Paris in Traite des plus belles Bibliotheques.
”
, an able mathematician, was born at Paris in 1613. Having finished his academical studies
, an able mathematician,
was born at Paris in 1613. Having finished his academical
studies with the most promising success, he entered into
the order of Minims, took the habit in 1632, and as usual,
changed the name given him at his baptism for that
of Francis, the name of his paternal uncle, who was also a
Minim, or Franciscan. The inclination which he had for
mathematics appeared early during his philosophical studies;
and he devoted to this science all the time he could spare
from his other employments, after he had completed his
studies in theology. Ah the branches of the mathematics,
however, did not equally engage his attention; he confined himself particularly to optics, and studied the rest
only as they were subservient to his more favourite pursuit.
He informs us in the preface to his “Thaumaturgus Opticus,
” that he went twice to Rome; and that, on his return home, he was appointed teacher of theology. He was
afterwards chosen to accompany father Francis de la Noue,
vica^r-general of the order, in his visitation of the convents
throughout all France. Amidst so many employments, it
is wonderful that he found so much time to study, for his
life was short, and must have been laborious. Being taken
sick at Aix, in Provence, he died there, September 22,
1646, aged only thirty-three. He was an intimate acquaintance of Des Cartes, who had a high esteem for him,
and presented him with his works. Niceron’s writings are,
1. “L'Interpretation des Chiffres, ou Regies pour bien
entendre et expliquer facilement toutes sortes des Chiffres
Simples,
” &c. Paris, La Perspective curieuse, ou
Magie artificielle des effets marveilleux de l'Optique, Catroptique, et Dioptrique,
” intended as an introduction to
his, 3. “Thaumaturgus Opticus: sive, Admiranda Optices,
Catoptrices, et Dioptrices, Pars prima, &c.
”
, one of the most useful French biographers, was born at Paris, March 11, 1685. He was of an ancient and noble
, one of the most useful French
biographers, was born at Paris, March 11, 1685. He was
of an ancient and noble family, who were in very high
repute about 1540. He studied with success in the Mazarine college at Paris, and afterwards at the college Du
Plessis. He appears to have been of a serious turn of
mind, and of great modesty, and from a dread of the
snares to which he might be exposed in the world, de
termined to quit it for a religious life. On this subject he
consulted one of his uncles, who belonged to the order of
Barnabite Jesuits. This uncle examined him; and, not
diffident of his election, introduced him as a probationer
to that society at Paris. He was received there in 1702,
took the habit in 1703, and made his vows in 1704, at the
age of nineteen. After he had professed himself, he was
sent to Montargis, to study philosophy and theology, a
course of both which he went through with credit, although
he confesses that he never could relish the scholastic system
then in vogue. His superiors then, satisfied with his proficiency and talents, sent him to Loches, in Touraine, to
teach the classics and rhetoric. Here his devout behaviour
and excellent conduct as a teacher, made him be thought
worthy of the priesthood, which he received at Poitiers in
1708, and as he was not arrived at the age to assume this
orders a dispensation, which his uncommon piety had merited, was obtained in his favour. The college of Montargis having recalled him, he was their professor of
rhetoric during two years, and philosophy during four.
In spite of all these avocations, he was humanely attentive
to every call and work of charity, and to the instruction of
his fellow-creatures, many of whom heard his excellent
sermons, pure and unadorned in style, but valuable in
matter, which he delivered not only from the pulpits of
most of the churches within the province, but even from
those of Paris. In 1716 his superiors invited him to that
city, that he might have an opportunity of following, with
the more convenience, those studies for which he always
had expressed the greatest inclination. He not only understood the ancient, but almost all the modern languages;
a circumstance of infinite advantage in the composition of
those works which he has given to the public, and which
he carried on with great assiduity to the time of his death,
which happened after a short illness, July 8, 1738, at the
age of fifty-three. His works are, 1. “Le Grand Fébrifuge; or, a dissertation to prove that common Water is
the best remedy in Fevers, and even in the Plague; translated from the English of John Hancock, minister of St.
Margaret’s, London, in 12mo.
” This treatise made its
appearance, amongst other pieces relating to this subject,
in 1720; and was attended with a success which carried it
through three editions; the last came out in 1730, in 2
vols. 12mo, entitled “A Treatise on common Water;
”
Paris, printed by Cavelier. 2. “The Voyages of John
Ouvington to Surat, and divers parts of Asia and Africa;
containing the History of the Revolution in the kingdom of
Golconda, and some observations upon Silk- Worms,
” Paris, The Conversion of England to Christianity, compared with its pretended Reformtion;
” a work translated from the English, and written by
an English catholic, Paris, 1729, 8vo. 4. “The Natural
History of the Earth, translated from the English of Mr.
Woodward, by Mons. Nogues, doctor in physic with an
answer to the objections of doctor Camerarius containing,
also, several letters written on the same subject, and a
methodical distribution of Fossils, translated from the English, by Niceron,
” Paris, 1735, 4to. 5. “Memoirs of Men
illustrious in the republic of letters, with a critical Account
of their Works. Paris,
” 12uio. The first volume of this
great work appeared in 1727; the others were given to the
public in succession, as far as the thirty-ninth, which appeared in 1738. The fortieth volume was published after
the death of the author, in 1739. Since that event three
others were added, but in these are many articles of which
Niceron was not the author. It is not easy to answer all
the objections which may be offered to a work of this kind.
The author himself, in one of his prefaces, informs us that
some of his contemporaries wished for a chronological
order; some for the order of the alphabet; some for classing the authors according to the sciences or their professions, and some according to the countries in which they
were born. As his work, however, appeared periodically,
he thought himself justified in giving the lives without any
particular order, according as he was able to procure materials. That the French critics should dwell upon the unavoidable mistakes in a work of this magnitude, is rather
surprizing, for they have produced no such collection
since, and indeed Niceron has been the foundation, as far
as he goes, of all the subsequent accounts of the same
authors. Chaufepie only treats him with respect while
he occasionally points out any error in point of date or fact.
, a very celebrated French mathematician, was born at Paris, December 23, 1683. His early attachment to the
, a very celebrated French mathematician, was born at Paris, December 23, 1683. His early attachment to the mathematics induced M. Montmortto take the charge of his education, and initiate him in the higher geometry. He first distinguished himself by detecting the fallacy of a pretended quadrature of the circle. A M. Mathulon was so confident that he had discovered this quadrature, as to deposit in the hands of a public notary at Lyons, the sum of 3000 livres, to be paid to any person who in the judgment of the academy of sciences, should demonstrate the falsity of his solution. M. Nicole having undertaken the task, the academy’s judgment was, that he had plainly proved that the rectilineal figure which Mathulon had given as equal to the circle, was not only unequal to it, but that it was even greater than the polygon of 32 sides circumscribed about the circle. It was the love of science, however, and not of money, which inspired Nicole on this occasion, for he presented the prize of 300O livres to the public hospital of Lyons. The academy named Nicole eleve-mechanician, March 12, 1707; adjunct in 1716, associate in 1718, and pensioner in 1724, which he continued till his death, which happened January 18, 1758, at seventy-five years of age.
, a French academician and dramatic writer, was born at Paris in 1692. Being the nephew of a farmer-general,
, a
French academician and dramatic writer, was born at Paris
in 1692. Being the nephew of a farmer-general, he might
have acquired opulence, by so valuable a connection, but
he preferred the study of polite literature. His first work
was a criticism on the fables of La Motte, who was his
friend, but who never objected to any liberties of that kind
which his friends might take with him. When La Motte
advanced his famous paradox on the in utility of versification
in tragedy, &c. Nivelle joined la Faye as one of his opponents, and published an “Epitre a Clio,
” Prejuge a la mode
” “Ecole des Amis,
” and “Melanide,
” are still much admired in France as are his
“Ecole des Meres,
” and “La Gbuvernante,
” although
not received at first so favourably. He wrote many other
dramatic pieces, with moderate success, which with his
other works, were published at Paris, in 1762, 5 vols.
12mo. La Harpe ranks him among the authors who have
done honour to the French theatre. He died May 14,
1754, in the sixty-second year of his age.
, was born at Paris, Dec. 16, 1716. After he had served in the army
, was
born at Paris, Dec. 16, 1716. After he had served in the
army some time, he was appointed ambassador to Rome,
then to Berlin, and lastly, in 1763, was entrusted with
the important negociation of the definitive treaty of peace
at London, where he was highly respected, as a prudent
and enlightened minister, who united amenity of manners
with the dignity of his station. After his return to Paris,
he devoted himself entirely to letters, and by some
publications he obtained an admission into the French academy,
and that of inscriptions. This worthy and excellent man
lived to be a sufferer from the revolution, and was committed to prison during the tyranny of Robespierre, in
which he was forced to remain till 1796. He died Feb.
25, 1798, at the age of eighty-two. Of his works, his
“Fables
” have not been thought to preserve the reputation
they had originally, when handed about in private. Many
of them, however, equal any of the French productions of
that class. An English translation, very ably executed,
was published in 1799. The duke’s reflections on the genius of Horace, Boileau, and Rousseau, are highly esteemed; and his “Dialogues of the Dead,
” “Moral Letters,
” “Lives of the Troubadours,
” &c. are distinguished
proofs of an acute and well-cultivated mind. He was
very conversant in English literature, and translated Pope’s
“Essay on Man,
” and Horace Walpole’s “Modern Gardening,
” of which, in imitation of Walpole, he printed only
a few copies for friends. Didot, while the author was
alive, printed a fine edition of his works, in 1796, 8 vols.
8vo, the demand for which, according to Brunet, is not
great.
, comptroller of the royal edifices of France, and an eminent planner of gardens, was born at Paris in 1613. We know little of him, except that he
, comptroller of
the royal edifices of France, and an eminent planner of
gardens, was born at Paris in 1613. We know little of
him, except that he was brought up as a gardener under
his father, until about 1653, when he was first employed
by the superintendant Fouquet, to lay out the magnificent
gardens of Vaux-le-Vicomte, celebrated by La Fontaine
in his poems. In this work he was the creator of those
porticoes, covered walks, grottoes, labyrinths, &c. which
then were thought the greatest ornaments of gardens, and
particularly gratified the taste of Louis XIV. who employed
him in the decoration of his favourite residences at Versailles, Trianon, Fontainbleau, &c. Le Nostre went to
Rome in 1678, and afterwards travelled through Italy; and
it is said he found nothing in the most celebrated gardens
equal to what he had himself executed. While at Rome,
pope Innocent XI, was desirous of seeing le Notre, and
gave him a long audience, at the conclusion of which the
latter exclaimed, “I have now seen the two greatest men
in the world your holiness, and the king, my master
”
“There is a great difference between them,
” replied the
pope “the king is a great and victorious prince, and I
am a poor priest, servant of the servants of God.
” Le
Notre, delighted with this answer, and forgetting by whom
it was made, clapped his hand on the pope’s shoulder,
saying, “My reverend father, you are in good health, and
will bury all the sacred college;
” and Le Notre, more and
more charmed with the sovereign pontiff’s kindness, and
the particular esteem he expressed for the king, fell upon
his neck, and embraced him. It was his custom thus to
embrace all who praised Louis XIV.; and he embraced that
prince himself every time he returned from the country.
He was some time in England, and, probably on the invitation of Charles II. laid out St. James’s and Greenwich
parks. In 1675, when he was again in France, his long
services were rewarded by letters of noblesse, and the cross
of St. Michael. The king would have given him a coat of
arms, but he replied that he had one already, “consisting
of three snails surmounted by a cabbage.
” At the age of
four-score he desired permission to retire, which the king
granted him, on condition that he would sometimes come
and see him. He died at Paris, in 1700, at the age of 87.
He is said to have had a fine taste for the arts in general,
especially for that of painting; and some pieces of his execution are mentioned as existing in the royal cabinet.
, Count d'Ansembray, a French nobleman, was born at Paris in 1678. During his education he discovered an
, Count d'Ansembray, a French
nobleman, was born at Paris in 1678. During his education
he discovered an inclination for mathematical pursuits,
and was instructed in the philosophy of Des Cartes.
After this he increased his knowledge by an acquaintance with Huygens, Ruysh, Boerhaave, and other eminent
men of the time. On his return from his travels he was
appointed director-general of the posts in France; but,
coming into possession of a country-seat at Bercy, by the
death of his father, he collected a museum there furnished
with philosophical and mechanical instruments, and machines of every description, which attracted the attention
of the learned, and was visited by Peter the Great, the
emperor of Germany, and other princes. In the Transactions of the Academy of Sciences, of which he was a
member, there are several of his papers; among which is
a description of an “Instrument for the Measurement of
Liquids
” of“An Areometer, or Wind Gage
” and of a
“Machine for beating regular Time in Music.
” He died
in
, historiographer, printer, and bookseller to the king, and genealogist of the duchy of Burgundy, was born at Paris, March 19, 1608. In his youth he showed a taste
, historiographer, printer, and bookseller to the king, and genealogist of the duchy of Burgundy, was born at Paris, March 19, 1608. In his youth
he showed a taste for genealogy, and heraldic studies, in
which he appears to have been instructed and encouraged
by his relation, Louvain Gelliot, who published a work on
armorial bearings. In his twenty -fifth year he settled at
Dijon, where he married Vivanda Spirinx, the daughter of
a printer and bookseller, with whom he entered into business. At his leisure hours, however, he still continued
his heraldic researches, and laboured with so much perseverance in this study as to produce the following works:
1. “Le parlement de Bourgogne, avec les armoiries,
” &c.
Genealogie des comtes d'Amanze,
” fol.
3. “La vraie et parfaite science des Armoiries de Gelliot,
avec de plus de 6000 ecussons,
” Histoire
genealogique de comtes de Chamilli.
” 5. " Extraits de
la hambre des comptes de Bourgogne, fol. He left also
thirteen volumes of ms collections respecting the families
of Burgundy. It is an additional and remarkable proof of
his industry and ingenuity, that he engraved the whole of
the plates in these volumes with his own hand. His history
of the parliament of Burgundy was continued by Petitot,
and published in 1733. Palliot died at Dijon in 1698, at
the age of eighty-nine.
, a French mathematician, was born at Paris in 1666. He shewed early a propensity to mathematics,
, a French mathematician, was
born at Paris in 1666. He shewed early a propensity to
mathematics, eagerly perusing such books as fell in his
way. His custom was to write remarks upon the margins
of the books which he read; and he had filled some of
these with a kind of commentary at the age of thirteen.
At fourteen he was put under a master who taught rhetoric at Chartres. Here he happened to see a Dodecaedron, upon every face of which was delineated a sun-dial,
except the lowest, on which it stood. Struck immediately
with the curiosity of these dials, he set about drawing one
himself; but, having a book which only shewed the practical part without the theory, it was not till some time
after, when his rhetoric-master came to explain the doctrine of the sphere to him, that he began to understand
how the projection of the circles of the sphere formed sundials. He then undertook to write a “Treatise upon Gnomonics,
” anr the piece was rude and unpolished enough;
but it was entirely his own. About the same time he wrote
also a book of “Geometry,
” at Beauvais.
ce here unless for certain impostures connected with his name, in which, however, he had no hand. He was born at Paris, and was the eldest son of a counsellor to the
, usually called the Abbe Paris, would
not have deserved notice here unless for certain impostures
connected with his name, in which, however, he had no
hand. He was born at Paris, and was the eldest son of a
counsellor to the parliament, whom he was to have succeeded in that office; but he preferred the ecclesiastical
profession; and, when his parents were dead, resigned
the whole inheritance to his brother, only reserving to
himself the right of applying for necessaries. He was a
man, says the abb UAvocat, of the most devout temper,
and who to great candour of mind joined great gentleness
of manners. He catechized, during some time, in the
parish of St. Come; undertook the direction of the clergy,
and held conferences with them. Cardinal de Noailles, to
whose cause he was attached, wanted to make him curate
of that parish, but found many obstacles to his plan; and
M. Paris, after different asylums, where he had lived extremely retired, confined himself in a house in the fauxbourg St. Marcoul, where, sequestered from the world, he
devoted himself wholly to prayer, to the practice of the
most rigorous penitence, and to labouring with his hands,
having for that purpose learnt to weave stockings. He
was one of those who opposed the bull Unigenitus, and
was desirous also to be an author, and wrote “Explications
of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans,
” to the “Galatians,
”
and “An Analysis of the Epistle to the Hebrews;
” but
acquired no reputation by these. He died May I, 1727,
at Paris, aged thirty-seven, and was interred in the little
church-yard belonging to St. Medard’s parish. Though
M. Paris had been useless to the Jansenists while alive, they
thought proper to employ him in working miracles after
his death; and stories were invented of miraculous cures
performed at his tomb, which induced thousands to flock
thither, where they practised grimaces and convulsions in
so ridiculous and disorderly a manner, that the court was
at last forced to put a stop to this delusion, by ordering
the church-yard to be walled up, January 27, 1732. Some
time before, several curates solicited M. de Vintimille, archbishop of Paris, by two requests, to make judicial inquiry
into the principal miracles attributed to M. Paris; and that
prelate appointed commissioners who easily detected the
impostnre, which would not deserve a place here had it
not served Hume and some other deists with an argument
against the real miracles of the gospel, the fallacy of which
argument has been demonstrated with great acuteness by
the late bishop Douglas, in his “Criterion.
”
, son of the preceding, and an able physician and antiquary, was born at Paris, Feb. 2.i, 1633. He was educated with great care
, son of the preceding, and an able physician and antiquary, was born at Paris, Feb. 2.i, 1633. He was educated with great care by his father, and made such surprizing progress in his studies, that at the age of fourteen he defended Greek and Latin theses in philosophy, with the greatest applause in an assembly composed of thirty-four prelates, the pope’s nuncio, and many other persons of distinction. Being intended for the bar, he completed his law studies, and became an advocate in the parliament of Paris, but he soon relinquished this career for the study of medicine, which in his opinion promised greater advantages. He became afterwards a considerable practitioner, and a teacher of reputation in the medical school of Paris, where he took his doctor’s degree in 1656; but was about this time obliged to leave France for fear of imprisonment. The cause of this is variously related, but the most probable account is, that he had been in some way accessary to the circulation of certain libels which drew upon him the resentment of the court.
the few who have been able to unite attention to business, with the love and cultivation of letters, was born at Paris in 1630, and bred to the law, but always in strict
, one of the few who have
been able to unite attention to business, with the love and
cultivation of letters, was born at Paris in 1630, and bred
to the law, but always in strict intimacy with Boileau,
Bignon, Lamoignon, and the other great men of his time.
He was first counsellor of the Châtelet, then in the parliament, afterwards president of the fourth chamber of requests, and next Prévôt des Marchands. To this place he
was nominated in 1668, and signalized his situation there
by building a quay at Paris, which still retains his name.
Being much approved in this office, be was appointed in
1683 to succeed the famous Colbert in that of controllergeneral of the finances. He held this place only six years,
after which he resigned it, and in 1697 retired from court
entirely, to lead a life of meditation and devotion. He
died in August 1711, at the age of eighty-one. Though
the life of Pelletier was so much occupied by business, he
either produced or was concerned in several publications.
1. Extracts and Collections from the fathers, the ecclesiastical writers, and from scripture, made with great judgment, in several volumes, 12mo. 2. Editions of the “Comes
Theologus,
” and “Comes Juridicus,
” of Peter Pithou, who
was his maternal great grandfather. 3. “Comes Senectutis,
”
and 4. “Comes Rusticus,
” both in 12mo, and written in
imitation of the former works of Pithou, consist chiefly of
the thoughts of various authors. 5. The best edition of the
Body of Canon Law, in Latin, with the notes of Peter and
Francis Pithou, in 2 vols, fol. 6. An edition of the Observations of Peter Pithou on the Code and on the Novellae.
, younger brother to the preceding, was born at Paris, Jan. 12, 1628, and at the age of eight was placed
, younger brother to the preceding, was born at Paris, Jan. 12, 1628, and at the age
of eight was placed in the college of Beauvais, where he
distinguished himself in the belles-lettres, and had a considerable turn to that kind of philosophy which consisted
mostly in the disputatious jargon of the schools. He also
wrote verses, aud indulged himself in burlesque, which was
then much in vogue; on one occasion he amused himself
in turning the sixth book of the flLiieid into burlesque verse.
He had, however, too much sense when his ideas became
matured by reflection, to attach the least value to such
effusions. When his studies were completed, he was admitted an advocate, and pleaded two causes with a success
sufficient to induce the magistrates to wish to see him au
tached to the bar. But Colbert, the French minister, wh
was acquainted with his merit, soon deprived the law of
his services. He chose him for secretary to a small academy of four or five men of letters, who assembled at his
house twice a week. This was the cradle of that learned
society afterwards called “Academy of Inscriptions and
Belles Lettres.
” The little academy employed itself on
the medals and devices required from it by Colbert, in the
king’s name; and those proposed by Charles Perrault
were almost always preferred. He had a singular talent
for compositions of this kind, which require more intellectual qualities than is generally supposed. In the number
of his happy devices may be ranked that of the medal
struck on account of the apartments given by the king to
the French academy in the Louvre itself. This was Apollo
Palatinus; an ingenious allusion to the temple of Apollo,
erected within the precincts of the palace of Augustus.
Perrault not only was the author of this device, but likewise procured the academy the apartments it obtained from
the monarch, who at the same time was pleased to declare
himself its protector. Colbert, enlightened by the wise
counsels of Perrault, inculcated upon the king, that the
protection due to genius i s one of the noblest prerogatives
of supreme authority. He also procured the establishment of the academy of sciences, which at first had the
same form with the French academy, that of perfect
equality among its members. His brother Claude had
also a considerable share in this useful establishment.