genus of plants, belonging to the tetrandria class; and in the natural method ranking with those that are doubtful. See Botany Index.

Pictet, Benedict, a celebrated divine, was born at Geneva, in 1655, of a distinguished family, and prosecuted his studies with great success. After having traveled into Holland and England, he taught theology in his own country with an extraordinary reputation. The university of Lyden, after the death of Spanreina, solicited him to come and fill his place; but he thought that his own country had the best right to his services; and for that generosity he received its thanks by the mouth of the members of council. A languishing disorder, occasioned by too much fatigue, hastened his death: which happened on the 9th of June 1724, at the age of 69 years. This minister had much sweetness and affability in his manner. The poor found in him a comforter and a father. He published a great number of works in Latin and French, which are much esteemed in Protestant countries. The principal of these are,

1. A System of Christian Theology in Latin, 3 vols. in 4to; the best edition of which is that of 1721. 2. Christian Morality, printed at Geneva, 1710, 8 vols. in 12mo. 3. The History of the 11th and 12th centuries; intended as a sequel to that of Sueur, printed in 1713, 2 vols. in 4to. The Continuator is held in higher estimation than the first author. 4. Several Controversial Treatises. 5. A great number of tracts on morality and piety; among which we must distinguish "The Art of Living and Dying well;" published at Geneva, 1705, in 12mo. 6. Some Letters. 7. Some Sermons, from 1697 to 1721; 4 vols. in 8vo. With a vast number of other books, the names of which it would be tedious to mention; but which, as Mr. Sennebier says, "all show evident marks of piety and good sense."

Pictet, John-Louis, a counsellor of Geneva, born in 1739, was of the same family. He was member of the Council of Two Hundred; counsellor of State and Syndic; and died in 1781. He applied himself to the study of astronomy, and made several voyages into France and England for his improvement. Few men were ever blest with a clearer or more enlightened understanding. He has left in manuscript the "Journal of a Voyage which he made to Russia and Siberia in 1768 and 1769, in order to observe the transit of Venus over the sun's disk." A work very interesting, from the lively descriptions which it gives both of men and of nature.

Pictland. See Pentland.