BONALD, Louts GABRIEL AMIIIIOISE, Vicomte de, a celebrated publicist, was b. in 1753 at Monna, near Milhan. in Aveyron. Compelled to emigrate during the French revolution, he joined the emigrant corps, and, when it was dissolved, removed to Hei delberg, where he employed his pen in the composition of politico phi•co • works on behalf of monarchy. His first important work, do Pouroir Piiutique et Religieux (3 vols., 1796), was seized by the directory. It prophesied the restoration of the bons. Having returned to France, B. was induced to accept the patronage of the Bonaparte family, and in 1808 was appointed minister of instruction. In 1816—as deputy for his department—he voted with the ultramontane or theocratic party in the Chambre Introuvable (q.v.), and was one of the most influential members of the chamber of deputies in abolishing the revolutionary law of divorce, against which he had written in 1806; in opposing all projects of electoral reform, the alienation of forests. the efforts to get rid of the Swiss mercenaries, the freedom of the press, etc. In 1823, he was elevated to the peerage by Louis XVIII. The July revolution
brought his public career to a close, as he refused to take. the oath of allegiance to the new dynasty. Ile died at Monna, 1840. His most important writings are: Ligidation Primitire (3 vols., Par. 1802), and Recherches Philosophiques sir les Premiers Objets des Onnaissanees Morales (2 vols., Par. 1818), which have been immensely applauded by his own party. Their non-agreement with the fundamental facts of history has been proved by impartial critirism. His florid and incorrect style is often detrimental to his logic; and even his admirers must admit that his faith in papal infallibility, and his veneration of the Jesuits, were carried beyond all reasonable bounds. A complete edition of his works, in 12 vols., was published under his own supervision (Par. 1817-19).—His LOUIS JACQUES MaumcE B., archbishop of Lyons, 1839, made a cardinal in 1842, faith fully adhered to his father's political and religious principles. He died Feb. 24, 1870.