French Catholic mathematician; born Bouligneux, Ain, France in 1640; died Paris, France on April 3, 1717. Descended from a rich convert Jewish family. Member of the Academy of Sciences Author of numerous mathematical works. His Récréations mathématiques et physiques (1694) is still used today.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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