MORAT (Andreas), a very eminent antiquary, born at Berne in Switzerland. Having a strong passion for the study of medals, he travelled through several countries, and made large collections: in 1683 he published at Paris in 8vo, Specimen universi rei nummarie antiquae; and the great work of which this was the
specimen, was to be a complete collection of all ancient medals, of which he had at that time 20,000 exactly designed. Soon after this essay appeared, Lewis XIV. gave him a place in his cabinet of antiques, in which capacity he brought himself into great danger by speaking too freely of M. Louvois on account of the neglect in paying his salary, or on some other private account; as he was committed to the Bastille, where he lay for three years: nor was he released until the death of Louvois, nor till the canton of Berne had interceded in his favour. He afterward accepted an invitation from the count of Schwarzburg at Arnstadt in Germany, with whom he lived in the capacity of antiquary, and was furnished with every thing necessary for carrying on his grand work. In 1703 he died; and in 1734 came out at Amsterdam part of this collection, in 2 vols folio, under the title of Theſaurus Morellianus, sive familiarum Romanorum numismata omnia, diligentissime undique conquista, &c. Nunc primum editi & commentario perpetuo illustravit Sigibertus Havercampus. These volumes contain an explication of 3539 medals, engraved, with their reverses.