(Ezekiel), a learned writer in the 17th century, was born at Geneva in 1629; and in 1642 went to Leyden to study. Here he distinguished himself to great advantage; and his reputation spreading, Charles Louis elector palatine sent for him to be tutor to his only son. This task our author discharged to the entire satisfaction of the elector; by whom he was also employed in divers negotiations at foreign courts. He afterwards entered into the service of the elector of Brandenburg, who in 1680 sent him envoy-extraordinary to the court of France, and soon after made him a minister of state. After the peace of Ryswie, he was again sent on an embassy to France, where he continued from the year 1697 to 1702. The elector of Brandenburg having during that interval assumed the title of King of Prussia, conferred on him the title and dignity of a baron. In 1702 he left France; and went ambassador to England, where he had been several times. Here he died in 1710, aged 81 years. It is surprising, that in discharging the duties of a public minister with so much exactness, and amidst so many different journeys, he could find time enough to write the several books published by him. It may be said of him, that he acquitted himself in his negotiations like a person who had nothing else in his thoughts; and that he wrote like a man who had spent his whole time in his study. The principal of his works are,

1. De praestantia et usu numismatum antiquorum; the best edition of which is in two volumes folio. 2. Several letters or dissertations on scarce and curious medals. 3. A preface and notes to the edition of the emperor Julian's works, printed at Leipzig in 1696, folio.