M. MINUCIUS, a distinguished Roman lawyer, concerning whose era there has been much dispute. Some critics refer it to the middle of the second century after Christ, others to the time of Diocletian, while St Jerome, whose testimony may be taken as final, places him between Tertullian and Cyprian, and thus assigns him to the first half of the third century. He is now best known as the author of Octavius, a dialogue on Christianity between a Christian convert and a pagan. This work is deservedly entitled to rank high among the early apologies of Christianity. It is characterized throughout by an impressive earnestness of tone, and closeness and cogency of reasoning, while the style is as remarkable for precision and terseness as the diction for grace and purity. It was long imagined that the Octavius formed part of Arnobius' treatise Adversus Gentes, and it was not till 1660 that this mistake was discovered, and the work assigned to its rightful author by Balduinus. Since that date many editions of the work have appeared.

the name of several Roman pontiffs. Felix I. was chosen bishop of Rome in 271, and suffered martyrdom in 275. Felix II., sometimes styled III., on account of an anti-pope who assumed the former title, reigned from 483 to 492. Felix III., called also IV., succeeded to the papal throne in 526, and died in 530. A detailed account of Amadeus VIII., Count of Savoy, who became pope under the title of Felix V., is given under AMADEUS.