(Michael), an able physician and famous astrologer, born at St Remy, a small town, four leagues from Arles, in 1503. He studied at Montpelier, and afterwards travelled to Toulouse and Bordeaux. At his return into Provence, he published, in 1555, his Seven first prophetical centuries. These were so highly valued by the French king, Henry II., that he resolved to see the author; and having caused him to be brought to him, gave him 200 golden crowns, and sent him to see the princes his sons at Blois. Charles IX., in passing through Provence, also gave him public marks of his esteem. Nostradamus published his three last Centuries in 1556; and died at Salon in 1566. He wrote other works, and after his death was collected an 11th and 12th Century from his writings. The following distich, attributed to Stephen Jodelle, on Nostradamus's character, is well known:

Nostra damus, cum falsa damus, nam fallere nostrum est: Et cum falsa damus, nil nisi Nostra damus.