CLAUDE, an able French critic and historian, was born at Paris in 1640. He applied himself to the law, was made advocate for the parliament of Paris, and attended the bar nine years; he then entered into orders, and was made preceptor to the princes of Conti. In 1689, the king made him sub-preceptor to the dukes of Burgundy, Anjou, and Berry; and in 1706, when the education of these young princes was completed, the king gave him the priory of Argenteuil belonging to the Benedictines in the diocese of Paris. In 1716, he was chosen councillor to Louis XV. and died in 1723. He was the author of a great number of esteemed French works; the principal of which are, 1. An ecclesiastical history, in 20 volumes, the last of which ends with the year 1414. 2. The manners of the Israelites and Christians. 3. Institutions of ecclesiastical law. 4. An historical catechism. 5. On the choice and method of study. 6. The duties of masters and servants, &c.