other prizes. In 1729 he gave an "Essay upon the gradation of Light," and the year following he was removed to Havre. Soon after this he became associate geometrician in the academy, and in 1735 was promoted to the office of pensioner-astronomer. The same year he accompanied Godin, Condamine, and Jussieu, to determine the mensuration of a degree of the meridian, in South America, where he laboured hard on the Cordilleras for ten years, during which he made many important discoveries in the expansion of metals, the nature of refraction, and the density of the air. He also invented several useful instruments for navigators, surveyors, and astronomers; but these exertions undermined his constitution, and he died in 1758. His principal works are1. The figure of the Earth, determined by observations made in South America, 4to. Treatise on Navigation and Pilotage, 4to. & Treatise on Ships, 4to. 4. Optical Treatise on Light, 4to. His end was exemplarily pious, for which his memory has been ridiculed by Lalande, and other French atheistsDict. Hist.

BOCHIER (John), president of the parliament of Dijon, and a member of the French academy, was born in 1673. He studied in the college of Jesuits, at Dijon, and in 1692 became counsellor of the parliament. In 1704 he was appointed president, the duties of which station he discharged till 1727. He died in 1746, and while in his last moments a friend came to his bed-side, to whom he made a sign not to be disturbed, saying, though with difficulty, J'epie la "I am am watching death." His works are-1. A translation of Petronius on the War between Cæsar and Pompey, 4to. Remarques sur les Tusculanes de Ciceron, avec une dissertation sur Sardanapale, 12mo. 3. Des Lettres sur les Therapeutes. 4. Dissertations sur Herodote. 5. Dissertation sur le grand pontificat des empereurs Romains, 4to. 6. Explications de quelques marbres antiques, 4to. 7. Observations sur la Coutume de Bourgogne, 2 vols. fol. - Ibid.

mort:

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2.

BOUHOURS (Dominick), a French writer, was born at Paris in 1628. At the age of sixteen he entered into the society of Jesuits, and after reading lectures upon polite literature in the college of Clermont for a short time, be undertook the tuition of the two sons of the duke of Longueville, which he discharged very much to the satisfaction of that nobleman, who reposed an entire confidence in him, and died in his arms. The first work published by father Bouhours was account of the pious and christian death of this great personage. This was followed by several other pieces, the principal of which was entitled "Entretiens d'Ariste et d'Eu gene;" an ingenious performance, that raised the author's reputation very high, though it also excited much controversy. The chief advantage he derived from it was

the patronage of Colbert, who, in consequence, entrusted him with tire education of his son, the marquis of Segnelai. The next book of importance published by him was his "Remarks and Doubts upon the French Language." He also wrote a very useful treatise, entitled "The Art of pleasing in Conversation." Father Bouhours died at the college of Clermont in 1702. Besides the works already noticed, he wrote 1. La manier de bien penser sur les ouvrages d'esprit, 12mo. 2. Pensées ingenieuses des anciens et des modernes, 12mo. 3. Pensées ingenieuses des Pères de l'Eglise, 8vo. 4. Histoire du Grand Maitre d'Aubusson, 4to. 5. The Lives of St. Ignatius and St. Francis Xavier, 4to., and 2 vols. 12mo. The last life was translated into English by Dryden. - Moreri.

BOUILLE (M. le marquis de), a French nobleman, was born in Auvergne, and nearly related to the marquis La Fayette. In the American war he was appointed governor-general of the French windward islands, and in 1778 captured some of the English possessions in the West Indies. On his return to France he was made lieutenant-general, and at the commencement of the revolution held the government of Metz, where he succeeded in suppressing a dangerous revolt. When the unfortunate Louis XVI. endeavoured to make his escape from Paris, in June 1791, M. Bouille marched with a chosen band to protect the royal party in their flight, but without effect. From Luxemburg he wrote a memorable letter to the assembly, threatening vengeance upon Paris if a hair of the king's head should be touched. This only inflamed the revolutionists, and it was decreed, that he should be tried for contumacy; but he was luckily beyond their reach. He then went to Vienna, and next to Sweden, but on the death of Gustavus III. he came to England, and died in London in 1800. He published in 1797 " Memoirs relating to the French Revolution," 8vo. — Biog. Moderne. Dict. Hist.

BOUILLET (John), a French physician, was born at Servian in 1690, and died in 1770. His works are- 1. Elemens de Medecine pratique, 2 vols. 4to. 2. Memoires pour servirà l'Histoire de l'Academie des Sciences de Beziers, 4to. 3. Sur la Maniere de His son, traiter la petite verole, 4to. &c. Henry Nicholas Bouillet, was also a physician, and published "Observations sur l'Anarsarque, &c. 4to. 1759. - Dict. Hist.

BOULAI (Cæsar Egasse de), a French writer, was born at St. Helier, and became professor of rhetoric in the college of Navarre, afterwards register, historiographer, and rector of the university of Paris, where he died in 1678. The principal of his works is the "Historia Universitatis Parisiensis," 6 vols. folio. - Moreri.

BOULAINVILLIERS (Henry de), comte de

St. Saire, was born in 1658, and educated at Juilli, under the fathers of the oratory. He died in 1722. His works are-1. A History of the Arabians, 12mo. 2. Memoires sur l'ancien Gouvernement de France, 3 vols. 12mo. 3. Histoire de France, 3 vols. 12mo. 4. L'Etat de la France, 6 vols. 12mo. 5. Memoire sur l'Administration des Finances, 2 vols. 12mo. 6. Histoire de la Pairie de France, 12mo. 7. Dissertations sur la Noblesse de France, 12mo. 8. Refutation des Erreurs de Benoit Spinosa, 12mo. This is a posthumous work, and of a most pernicious tendency, being a defence of Spinosism, under the pretext of a refutation. 9. Vie de Mahomet; French and English, 8vo. This was printed in London.

Dict. Hist.

BOULANGER (John), a French engraver, who lived about the year 1657. He adopted and improved that dotted style which of late has been carried to such a high degree of perfection in England. He engraved many scriptural prints, and some portraits, particularly one of Charles II. of England. There was another artist of this name who was a painter, born in 1606, and died in 1660. He was a pupil of Guido; and painted several pictures at Modena. -Strutt and Pilkington.

a

BOULANGER (Nicholas Anthony), French deist, was born at Paris in 1722, and died in 1759. He became engineer to the baron of Thiers, and afterwards superintendant of the highways and bridges. He wrote 1. Traité du Despotisme Orientale, 2 vols. 12mo. 2. L'Antiquité devoilé, par ses Usages, 3 vols. 12mo. 3. A Dissertation on Elisha and Enoch; and some articles in the Encyclopedie. - Dict. Hist.

BOULLONGNE (Louis de), a French painter, was born at Paris in 1609. He became painter to the king, and professor in the academy, and died in 1674, leaving two sons, Bon and Louis. The first was born at Paris in 1649, and died in 1717. He painted several fine pictures for Louis XIV. and the churches at Paris. He was also an engraver. Louis de Boullongne was born at Paris in 1654, and died in 1734. He was a member of the academy, and received from Louis XIV. the order of St. Michael. Two sisters of this family also distinguished themselves in the same line, and were members of the academy. - Pilkington.

BOULTER (Hugh), an exemplary prelate, was born in London in 1671, and educated at Merchant Taylors' school, from whence he removed to Christ-church, Oxford, and afterwards became fellow of Magdalen-college. About 1700 he obtained the living of St. Olave, Southwark, and the archdeaconry of Surrey. In 1719 he became chaplain to George I. and tutor to prince Frederic, for which he was rewarded with the deanry of Christ-church, and the same year consecrated bishop of Bristol. In 1724 he

was nominated to the see of Armagh in Ire land, which he accepted with reluctance. In this station he proved a blessing to that kingdom, by attending all public boards, promoting every measure of public utility, and distributing large sums in charity. By his management the scarcity of silver coin was remedied, and he more than once averted from Ireland both pestilence and famine. He maintained several sons of poor clergymen at the university, built and endowed hospitals, enlarged small livings, and procured a charter for the incorporated society for promoting the protestant schools in Ireland. He died in London in 1742, and was buried in Westminster-abbey. He assisted Ambrose Phillips, who was his secretary, in writing the Free Thinker; and a collection of his Letters was printed at Oxford in 1769, 2 vols. 8vo. - Biog. Brit.

BOULTON (Matthew), was born at Birmingham in 1728, and educated at a private school in the same town, after which he learnt drawing under Worlidge, and mathematics from one Cooper. Being brought up to business, he as early as 1745 had made several important inventions in the manufacture of steel. In 1762 he removed his works to Soho, in the county of Stafford, about two miles from Birmingham, and at that time a barren heath. This spot he by degrees made a complete school of mechanical genius, from whence proceeded various ornaments, which have found their way over the whole globe. In 1767 Mr. Boulton had recourse to the steam-engine for the furtherance of his designs; and two years afterwards he entered into partnership with Mr. James Watt, of Glasgow, who had made great improvements in that instrument of power. By this co-operation the steam-engine was carried to an astonishing height of perfection, particularly in coining; and the pieces struck at Soho possess a beauty and exactness which cannot be excelled by any medals, ancient or modern. About 1773 the art of copying pictures in oil colours by a mechanical process was invented at this manufactory, and to such a degree that the copies were taken for originals even by connoisseurs. Mr. Boulton was a fellow of the Royal Societies of London and Edinburgh, and a member of several foreign institutions. He died at Soho in 1809; and was succeeded by his only son. —. ·Memoirs published at Birmingham, 8vo.

BOUQUET (Dom Martin), a benedictine of St. Maur, was born in 1685 at Amiens, and died at Paris in 1754. He assisted Montfaucon in his compilations, and published himself a Collection of the Historians of France, in 9 vols. folio, since extended to sixteen volumes. - Dict. Hist.

BOURBON, or BORBONIUS (Nicholas), a modern Latin poet, was born in 1503 at Vandeuvre, near Langres. He was preceptor to Jane d'Albret de Navarre, mother

of Henry IV. and afterwards had a benefice at Conde, where he died about 1550. He left eight books of epigrams, and a didactic poem on the forge, entitled " Ferrarie," 8vo. 1533. He was also the author of a moral work for children, " De puerorum moribus," 1536, 4to. He often visited England, and was very intimate with archbishop Cranmer, sir Thomas More, and other great men. His nephew, Nicholas Bourbon, was much superior to him as a Greek and Latin poet. He became professor of rhetoric at the royal college, canon of Langres, and a member of the academy. He died in 1644, aged 70. His Latin poems were printed at Paris in

1651, 12mo. · Moreri.

BOUBCHIER (Sir John), lord Berners, was the son of sir Humphrey Bourchier, who fell on the side of Edward IV. at the battle of Barnet, his father, sir John Bourchier, lord Berners, being then living. The latter died in 1474, when the subject of this article was only seven years old. He was educated at Baliol-college, Oxford, and afterwards travelled for improvement. In 1495 he suppressed the rebels of Cornwall and Devon; and in 1513 acted as captain of the pioneers at the siege of Therouenne. The year following he was made chancellor of the exchequer, and attended the king's sister, lady Mary, to France, on her marriage with Louis XII. He was afterwards appointed lieutenant of Calais, where he died in 1532. He translated Froissart's Chronicle into English, 2 vols. folio, 1523; and his other works are, "The Life of Sir Arthur, an Armorican Knight;""The famous exploits of Sir Hugh of Bourdeaux ;"" The Castle of Love," a book " of the Duties of the Inhabitants of Calais ;" and a comedy entitled "Ite in Vineam."- Wood's Athen. Oxon.

BOURCHIER (Thomas), archbishop of Canterbury, was the son of William Bourchier, earl of Ewe in Normandy, and a near relation of the preceding lord Berners. He was educated in Neville's-inn, at Oxford, of which university he became chancellor. In 1433 he was made bishop of Worcester, where he had not sat a year when he was elected to the see of Ely, from which he was translated to Canterbury in 1454. Ten years afterwards he was made cardinal, and in 1465 lord high-chancellor of England, which office he held but a short time. What renders this prelate's memory most deserving of respect, is the circumstance of his having introduced the art of printing into England in the year 1464, when presses were set up in the monasteries of Westminster, St. Alban's, Worcester, and Tavistock. He died Knowle in 1486.- Biog. Brit. BOURDALOUE (Louis), a French Jesuit, was born at Bourges in 1632. His talents for preaching made him so popular in the country that his superiors called him to Paris in 1669, to take the course in their church of St. Louis, which soon became crowded

with hearers of the highest distinction, and even Louis XIV. listened with attention and pleasure to this powerful orator. He was sent into Languedoc to convert the Protestants, and it is said that he had considerable success in this mission. In his own communion, however, the effects of his ministry were very great, and numbers chose him for their confessor. His piety appears to have been truly sincere, and he had a very liberal disposition towards those from whom he differed. He died in 1704. The

best edition of his sermons is that of 1716, in 16 vols. 8vo. — Moreri.

BOURDEILLES (Peter de), better known by the name of Brantôme, of which he was abbot. He was also lord and baron of Richemont, a chevalier and gentleman of the bed-chamber to Charles IX. and Henry III. of France. He died in 1614, aged 87. His memoirs, printed in 15 vols. 12mo. 1741, and 8 vols. 8vo. 1787, are extremely curious, and give a lively picture of the French court under three reigns. His grand-nephew, Claude de Bourdeilles, comte de Montrésor, who died at Paris in 1663, wrote also his own memoirs, in 2 vols. 12mo.

Ibid.

He

BOURDELOT (John), a French critic, was of a good family at Sens, and an advocate in the parliament of Paris, where Mary de Medicis made him master of requests. died in 1638. His edition of Heliodorus, published in 1619, 8vo. is much esteemed. He also edited Lucian at Paris in 1615, folio, with very learned notes; and his Petronius was published in 12mo. in 1618. — Ibid.

BOURDELOT (Peter Michon), nephew of the preceding, was a physician, and died at Paris in 1685, aged 76. He changed his name to Bourdelot, at the desire of his uncle, who left him his fortune. He wrote some books on "The Viper," "Mount Etna," "La Relation des appartemens de Versailles," &c. His sister's son, Peter Bonnet, who took the name of Bourdelot, in pursuance of his uncle's will, on inheriting his fortune, was also a physician. He wrote notes on the "Bibliotheque choisie de M. Colomiés," and some papers on music. He died in 1709. - Ibid.

BOURDON (Sebastian), a French painter, was born at Montpellier in 1616. He was for some time in the army, which he quitted at the age of eighteen, and went to Italy, where he became acquainted with Claude Lorrain, whose manner he imitated. After residing there three years he returned to France, and at the age of twenty-seven painted his famous picture of the crucifixion of St. Peter, for the church of Notre Dame at Paris. The civil wars interrupting the arts, he went to Sweden, and became first painter to the queen Christina, who gave him an unpacked collection of paintings, which had belonged to her father; but when Bourdon opened the cases he found some of