(Jerome), a French writer, was born at Paris in 1590. He gained an uncommon knowledge, under the care of his father, in philosophy, mathematics, history, civil law, and divinity, in a very short time; and was almost at the end of his studies at an age when it is usual to send children to school. At ten years of Bignon's age he gave the public a specimen of his learning, in a Description of the Holy Land; and two years after, he published a Discourse concerning the principal antiquities and curiosities of Rome; and A summary treatise concerning the election of Popes. Henry IV. desired to see him, and appointed him page to the dauphin, who was afterwards Louis XIII. He appeared at court with all the politeness of manners imaginable. He wrote at that time a Treatise of the precedence of the kings of France, which he dedicated to Henry IV. who gave him an express order to continue his researches on that subject; but the death of that prince interrupted his design. He published, in 1613, the Formulae of Marcipanis. He was in 1620 made advocate-general in the grand council; and discharged that post with such reputation, that the king nominated him some time after counsellor of state, and at last advocate-general in the parliament. He resigned his offices in 1647; and the year following was appointed chief library keeper of the king's library. He was obliged to resume his office of advocate-general, and held it till his death. He was employed in the most important affairs of state. At last this great man, who had always made religion the basis of his other virtues, died with the most exemplary devotion in 1656.