BARTHIUS, GASPAR, a very learned and copious writer, born at Custrin in Brandenburg, the 22d of June 1576. Mr Baillet has inserted him in his Énfan Célèbres; where he tells us, that at 12 years of age he translated David's Psalms into Latin verse of every measure, and published several Latin poems. Upon the death of his father (who was professor of civil law at Francfort, counsellor to the elector of Brandenburg, and his chancellor at Custrin), he was sent to
Gotha, then to Eisenach, and afterwards, according to Bartholomus custom, went through all the different universities in Germany. When he had finished his studies, he began his travels; he visited Italy, France, Spain, England, and Holland, improving himself by the conversation and works of the learned in every country. He studied the modern as well as ancient languages, and his translations from the Spanish and French show that he was not content with a superficial knowledge. Upon his return to Germany, he took up his residence at Leipzig, where he led a retired life, his passion for study having made him renounce all sort of employment. He wrote a vast number of books; the principal of which are, 1. His Adversaria, a large volume in folio; the second and third volumes of which he left in manuscript. 2. A Translation of Aeneas Gazicus. 3. A large volume of Notes upon Claudian, in 4to. 4. Three large volumes upon Statius; &c. He died at Leipzig, in 1658, aged 71.