BOS (John Baptist du), a celebrated author and member of the French academy, was born at Beauvais in 1670, and finished his studies at the Sorbonne. In 1695, he was made one of the committee for foreign affairs under Mr. Toret; and was afterwards charged with
with some important transactions in England, Germany, Holland, and Italy. At his return to Paris, he was handsomely preferred, made an abbé, and chosen perpetual secretary of the French academy. He was the author of several excellent works; the principal of which are, 1. Critical reflections upon poetry and painting, 3 vols. 12mo. 2. The history of the four Gordians, confirmed and illustrated by medals. 3. A critical history of the establishment of the French monarchy among the Gauls, 2 vols. 4to, 4 vols. 12mo. He died at Paris, on the 23d of March 1742.