(Stephen), professor of the Arabic and Chinese languages, and one of the most learned men of his time, was born Herbéla, a village four leagues from Paris, in 1683. He studied in Mazarine college, and afterwards in the Seminary of Thirty-three. He was at length professor of Arabic in the Royal college, and was made a member of the Academy of Inscriptions. In 1738, he was chosen a member of the Royal Society in London, and of that of Berlin in 1741. He was often consulted by the duke of Orleans, first prince of the blood; who had a particular esteem for him, and made him one of his secretaries. He wrote a great number of books; the most considerable of those which have been printed are:

1. The roots of the Latin tongue, in verse. 2. Critical reflections on the histories of ancient nations, two volumes, quarto. 3. A Chinese grammar, in Latin, folio. 4. Several dissertations printed in the Memoirs of the Academy of Inscriptions, &c. He died at Paris, in 1745.

He ought not to be confounded with Michael Fourmont, his youngest brother; who took orders, was professor of the Syriac language in the Royal college, and a member of the Academy of Inscriptions. He died in 1746.

FOURTH redundant, in music. See INTERVAL.