BOISSARD (John James), a famous antiquarian, born at Besançon the capital of Franche Comte in France. He published several collections which are of great use to such as are desirous to understand the Roman antiquities. He had a great passion for this study; and drew with his own hand plans of all the ancient monuments of Italy. He died at Metz, October 30th 1602. His principal works are, 1. Four volumes in folio of Roman antiquities, adorned with plates engraved by Theodore de Bey and his two sons. 2. Theatrum vite humane; which contains the lives of 198 famous persons, with their portraits. 3. A treatise de divinatione & magicis praestigiis. These works are scarce, and esteemed by the antiquarians.