FOURMONT (Stephen), professor of the Arabic and Chinese languages, and one of the most learned men of his time, was born Herbelai, a village four leagues from Paris, in 1683. He studied in Mazarine college, and afterwards in the Seminary of Thirty-three. He was at length professor of Arabic in the Royal college, and was made a member of the Academy of Inscriptions. In 1738, he was chosen a member of the Royal Society in London, and of that of Berlin in 1741. He was often consulted by the duke of Orleans, first prince of the blood; who had a particular esteem for him, and made him one of his secretaries. He wrote a great number of books; the most considerable of those which have been printed are, 1. The roots of the Latin tongue, in verse. 2. Critical reflections on the histories of ancient nations, two volumes, quarto. 4. A Chinese grammar, in Latin, folio. 5. Several dissertations printed in the Memoirs of the Academy of Inscriptions, &c. He died at Paris, in 1745.
He ought not to be confounded with Michael Fourmont, his youngest brother; who took orders, was professor of the Syriac language in the Royal college, and a member of the Academy of Inscriptions. He died in 1746.