History of Astronomy for the Year 1805. 355 
rected M. Poitevin’s studies towards astronomy, who is still 
occupied with it, and whose observatioris have been fre- 
quently printed. He often regretted very much, that no 
astronomer was established to make use of the observatory 
of Montpelier. 
M, de Ratte, the father, died in 1770: he was deacon of 
the counsellors of the court of-aids at Montpelier. The wishes 
of his family and of the public engaged M. Ratte, jun. to 
take that office upon him; and he discharged the duties of 
it, until the suppression of the court of aids, in the most di- 
stinguished manner. He was often the principal organ of 
that assembly on important occasions and in times of difh- 
culty ; it was totally set aside, however, in 1793. 
At the conclusion of the reign of terror, the members of 
the old Royal Society who had the good fortune to escape 
proscription, conceived the idea of re-establishing it under 
the name of the Free Society of Sciences and Belles Lettres. 
This idea succeeded; the society was formed, and M. de , 
Ratte was at first appointed secretary, and then president. 
This society has already published two volumes of its me- 
moirs under the title of Bulletins, which contain interest- 
ing researches and observations. There is a discourse by 
~@M. Ratte in the bulletin of the 3d of May, 1801. We 
‘there see that his zeal set his age at defiance. 
M. de Ratte was chosen a non-resident associate of the 
National Institute, and afterwards named a member of the 
legion of honour. 
He had enjoyed the most perfect state of health during 
the whole course of his life; but he was latterly attacked 
with a retention of urine, the attacks of which becoming 
very frequent, were exceedingly painful ; but the habit he 
had taught himself of suffering without complaining, and his 
natural gaiety, made his friends forget that he was unwell, 
He was present at the academy on the 24th of June, 1805; 
and it was not until the night of his death that he was 
thought in danger. He expired on the 15th of Angust, 
aged 83. 
M. de Ratte was of a low stature ; he had a happy and in- | 
telligent physiognomy ; he conversed with pleasantness and 
Z 2 good 
