CHARPENTIER (Francis), dean of the French
academy, was born in 1620. His early capacity in-
clined his friends to educate him for the bar: but he
was much more delighted with the study of languages
and antiquity than of the law; and preferred repose
to tumult. M. Colbert made use of him in establish-
ing his new academy of medals and inscriptions; and
no person of that learned society contributed more
than himself toward that noble series of medals which
were struck on the considerable events that distinguish-
ed the reign of Louis XIV. He published several
works, which were all well received; and died in
1702.
CHARR,