MAINE DE BIRAN, FRANcOIS PIERRE GONTHIER, 1766-1624; b. France; was attached to the body-guard of Louis XVI., and in the latter part of 1789 was involved in some of the disturbances in Paris, but was not concerned in the revolution which followed. Under the first empire he was appointed to a sub-prefecture, and was a member of the legislature. He opposed the policy of Napoleon during the latter part of his reign, and became a legitimist with the advent of the restoration. He was made a deputy and a councilor of state, retaining his seat in the legislature from 1818. He wrote much in a philosophical vein, contesting the opinions of Condillac, and develop ing a system of his own which achieved a considerable reputation. M. Cousin edited an edition of his works which was published in Paris, 1841, in 4 vols.; and an account of his life and opinions appeared in 1857, written by Naville.
an inland department of France, forming a portion of the lower basin of the Loire, is bounded on the w. by the department of Loire-Inferieure, and on
the e. by that of Indre-et-Loire. Area, 2,745 English sq. miles. Of which about 1,087,634 acres are arable, 197,748 in meadow, and 95,435 in vineyards. Pop. '72, 518,477. The surface is gently.undulating. The soil is fertile, producing the usual crops, white and green, and a vanety of excellent fruits. Wines, red and white, the latter comprising several highly esteemed varieties, are extensively cultivated; 11,000,000 gallons are made annually. Iron and coal mines are worked; and there are numerons mills and factories for the production of cotton, woolen, and linen goods. The department is divided into the five arrondissements of Angers, Bang& Segre, Cholet (formerly Beaupreau), and Saumur. Capital, Angers.