Bernard le Bovier de, was born at Rouen on the 11th February 1657, and died at Paris on the 9th January 1757. It was during this interval of time, comprehending an entire century, that the greatest writers France has produced commenced or terminated their career; and amongst these illustrious men, who were all either the friends, the enemies, or the rivals of Fontenelle, none was more remarkable whilst living, or has been more celebrated since his death. For this advantage he has been principally indebted to the variety of his acquirements, the fineness of his genius, and the versatility and grace of a talent peculiarly French, which seems to have acquired its greatest perfection, and displayed itself in the happiest manner, in the country which gave him birth, and in the age when he flourished. Fontenelle received his education in the college of Jesuits at Rouen, where the quickness and aptitude of his powers became conspicuous at a very early period. When only thirteen years of age he commenced the study of rhetoric; and so rapid was his progress, that in a note opposite his name on the register of the college, he is described as adolesecens omnibus partibus absolutus, et inter discipulos prceps. At the desire of his father he studied the law; but as he lost the very first cause in which he was employed as an advocate, he became disgusted with his profession, and devoted himself entirely to literature and philosophy. He composed a considerable part of the operas of Psyche and Bellerophon, which were printed under the name of his uncle Thomas Corneille; and he also wrote a tragedy called Aspar, but as it did not succeed, he consigned the manuscript to the flames, and never afterwards attempted that species of composition. His Dialogues des Morts were published in the year 1683, and well received as a specimen of elegant composition, combining morality with the charms of literature; in fact, this work laid the foundation of the great reputation of Fontenelle. His Lettres du Chevalier d'Her, published in 1685, without his name, discovered much wit and ingenuity, but at the same time no small share of affectation, and ob-