AMONTONS (Wittiam), in biogra phy, an ingenious _French experimental philosopher, was born in Normandy the 31st of August, 1663. While at the grammar school, he by sickness contract ed a deafness that almost excluded him from the conversation of mankind. In this situation he applied himself to the study of geometry and mechanics, with which he was so delighted, that it is said he refused to try any remedy for his dis order, either because he deemed it incu rable, or because it increased his atten tion to his studies. Among other objects of his study were, the arts of drawing, of land-surveying, and of building ; and shortly after lie acquired some knowledge of those more sublime laws by which the universe is regulated He studied with great care the nature of barometers and thermometers ; and wrote his treatise of " Observations and exPerimentsconcern ing a new Hour-glass, and concerning Barometers, Thermometers, and Hygros copes;" as also some pieces in the Jour nal des Savans. In 1687, he presented a new hygroscope to the Academy of Sci ences, which was much approved. He found out a method of conveying intelli gence to a great distance in a short space of time ; this was by making signals from one person to another, placed at as great distances from each other as they could see the signals by means of telescopes : this was unquestionably done upon the principle of modern telegraphs, which were brought into general use in 1794, almost a century after the death of Amon tons. Amontons was chosen a member
of the Royal Academy in 1699, as an elevc under the third astronomer ; and be read there his " New Theory of Fric tion," in, which he happily cleared up an important object in mechanics. He had a particular genius for making experi ments; his notions were just and delicate: he knew how to prevent the inconve niences of his new inventions, and had a wonderful skill in executing them. He died of an inflammation in his bowels, the 11th of October, 1705, being only 42 years of age. His pieces are contained in the different volumes of the memoirs of the Academy of Sciences ; these are numerous, and upon various subjects, as the air, action of fire, barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, friction, ma chines, heat, cold, rarefactions, pumps, Ike. They may be seen in the volumes for the years 1696, 1699, 1702, 1703, 1704, and 1705. The ehameter of Amon tons for integrity, modesty, and candour, was no less distinguished than his talents and genius in philosophical pursuits. Upon his death in 1705, NI. Fontenelle delivered an elegant and impressive eulo gium on his merits. See NIEmoIRS of the Academyfai that year.