Samuel, one of the most learned men in the 17th century, was born at Roan in Normandy. He made a very early progress in learning, and became a great proficient in the oriental languages. He was many years pastor of a Protestant church at Caen; where he was tutor to Wentworth Dillon earl of Rofocommon, author of the Essay on Translated Verse. Here he particularly distinguished himself by his public disputations with Father Veron, a very famous controversialist. The dispute was held in the castle of Caen, in the presence of a great number of Catholics and Protestants. Bochart came off with great honour and reputation; which were not a little increased in the year 1646, upon the publication of his Phaleg and Canaan, which are the titles of the two parts of his Geographia Sacra. He acquired also great fame by his Hierozoicon, printed in London in 1675. This treats de animalibus facere scripture. The great learning he displayed in his works rendered him esteemed not only amongst those of his own profession, but amongst all lovers of knowledge of whatever denomination. In 1652, the queen of Sweden invited him to Stockholm, where she gave him many proofs of her regard and esteem. At his return to Caen, he resumed the functions of the ministry.