BOISSONADE, JOHN FRANCIS, a distinguished classical scholar, b. at Paris, Aug. 12, 1774, of a noble Gascon family. He was originally intended for the administrative career, but after experiencing some of its more violent vicissitudes, he renounced it for philology, in which he had always found his favorite recreation. lie soon made him self known to the critical world by his acute and learned contributions to the literary journals, was appointed professor of Greek in the academy of Paris in 1800. and entered on the active duties of the chair in 1812. In 1813. he was admitted into the academy of' inscriptions; and in 1828, he succeeded Gail as professorof Greek literature in the college of France. Beyond this high position he never aspired. but pursued his investigations with an energy which no mere social or ambition could distract. His more important works are these: Philostrati Heroica (Paris, 180E); Marini Vita Prodi (Leip.
1814); Tiberius Motor de Piyuris (Loud. 1815); Sylloge Postaram Gratoruni (Paris, 1823 26); Babrii Mahe (Paris, 1844), etc. Ile contributed in his earlier years numerous papers on philological subjects to Parisian, English, and German journals, and gave the cause of classical study in France a powerful and still perceptible impulse by his elo quent and attractive lectures from his chair. In spite of his many and laborious philo logical works, he also signalized himself as a French lexicographer and belle-lettrist, and was one of the most copious and valued contributors to the Biographie Universelle. Ile died in 1859, leaving behind him a reputation for learning almost German in its pro fundity, and more than Englishin its elegance.