ON THE 



LIFE AND WRITINGS 



OF 



BECLARD. 



To write the life of a celebrated man, is at once to honour 

 his memory, and confer a benefit on society; for, while we 

 recall to mind the triumphs of him whose every step was 

 crowned with success, we teach those who wish to imitate him, 

 by what means glory is attained, and of what value, in this 

 world, is a reputation justly acquired. It is with this double 

 object in view, that we propose to lay before our readers, the 

 laborious life of the learned man, whom the school of medicine 

 of Paris will long regret, and of which he was one of the no- 

 blest ornaments. 



Peter Augustine Beclard was born at Angers, October 12th, 

 1785. His parents had no other fortune than their good name, 

 and in their family probity was hereditary. His father, al- 

 though loaded with the cares of a numerous family, by a strict 

 economy, was enabled to give to each of his children the ele- 

 mentary education, requisite to enable them to continue the 

 limited business which supported them. Thus, when young 

 Beclard had learned to read, write and cipher, he was made to 

 understand that to this, the extent of his knowledge should be 

 confined. But either because he had a foreboding of his future 

 success, or that he was inspired by instinct, or by an irresisti- 

 ble inclination, Beclard, heedless of these remarks, eagerly 

 read every book which fell into his hands. 



