MARIN, in Latin Mercennus, a learned French author, born at Oyté, in the province of Maine, anno 1588. He studied at La Fleche at the same time with Des Cartes; with whom he contracted a strict friendship, which lasted till death. He afterwards went to Paris, and studied at the Sorbonne; and in 1611 entered himself among the Minims. He became well skilled in Hebrew, philosophy, and mathematics. He was of a tranquil, sincere, and engaging temper; and was universally esteemed by persons illustrious for their birth, their dignity, and their learning. He taught philosophy and divinity in the convent of Nevers, and at length became superior of the convent; but being willing to apply himself to study with more freedom, he resigned all the posts he enjoyed in his order, and travelled into Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. He wrote a great number of excellent works; the principal of which are, 1. Questiones celeberrimae in Genesim. 2. Harmonicorum libri. 3. De sonorum natura, causis, et effectibus. 4. Cogitatio physico-mathematica. 5. La vérité des Sciences. 6. Les questions inouies. He died at Paris in 1648. He had the reputation of being one of the best men of his age. No person was more curious in penetrating into the secrets of nature, and carrying all the arts and sciences to their utmost perfection. He was in a manner the centre of all the men of learning, by the mutual correspondence which he managed between them. He omitted no means to engage them to publish their works; and the world is obliged to him for several excellent discoveries, which, had it not been for him, would perhaps have been lost.