HELVETIUS (Adrian), an eminent physician, born in Holland. After having studied physic at Leyden, he went to Paris, where he acquired great reputation in his profession. He introduced in France the use of ipecacuanha in the cure of dysenteries, a remedy which he at first kept secret; but was ordered to make it public, and on that account received a gratification from the king of 1000 louis d'ors. He was made inspector-general of the hospitals in Flanders, physician to the duke of Orleans, regent of France, &c.; and died at Paris, in 1727, aged 65. He wrote a treatise on the most common diseases, and the remedies proper for their cure, (the best edition of which is that of 1724, in two volumes octavo); and other works.