Joannes, or Jean de Serres, a learned French Protestant, was born about 1540 at Villeneuve-de-Berg. He acquired the Greek and Latin languages at Lausanne, and devoted himself to the study of the philosophy of Aristotle and of Plato. On his return to France he studied divinity, and in 1574 he began to distinguish himself by his writings, but was obliged to forsake his country after the dreadful massacre of St Bartholomew. He became minister of Nismes in 1582, but was never regarded as a very zealous Calvinist. He has even been suspected, though without reason, of having actually abjured the Protestant religion. He was one of the four clergymen whom Henry IV. consulted about the Catholic religion, and who returned for answer, "that Catholics might be saved." He wrote afterwards a treatise in order to reconcile the two communions, entitled De Fide Catholico, sive de Principis Religionis Christianae, communi omnium Christianorum consensu, semper et ubique ratis, 1607. This work was disliked by the Catholics, and received with such indignation by the Calvinists of Geneva that many writers have affirmed that they poisoned the author. It is certain at least that he died at Geneva in 1598. His principal works are—A Latin translation of Plato, published by Henry Stephens; A treatise on the Immortality of the Soul; De Statu Religiosi et Republici in Francia; Memoire de la Troisieme Guerre Civile et derniers Troubles de France sous Charles IX., &c.; Inventaire General de l'Histoire de France, illustre par le Conference de l'Eglise et de l'Empire; Recueil des Choses Memorables venues en France sous Henry II., Francois II., Charles IX., Henri III. These three historical treatises have been justly accused of partiality and passion; faults which it is next to impossible for a contemporary writer to avoid, especially if he bore any part in the transactions which he describes. Serravalle His style is incorrect and inelegant; and he has been accused by his enemies of making numerous mistakes and mis-statements of facts.