Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle
1657–1757
French writer. Published works on astronomy, mathematics, and the origin of fables. Wrote poetry and librettos for operas. Perpetual secretary of the Paris Académie des sciences from 1699; served as director on three occasions.
Sources
DBF
DSB.
Bibliography
DBF: Dictionnaire de biographie Française. Under the direction of J. Balteau et al. 21 vols. and 4 fascicules of vol. 22 (A–Leyris d’Esponchès) to date. Paris: Librairie Letouzey & Ané. 1933–.
DSB: Dictionary of scientific biography. Edited by Charles Coulston Gillispie and Frederic L. Holmes. 18 vols. including index and supplements. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons. 1970–90.
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