Benoit Michel
Benoit, Michel
(1715 -1774 ) Jesuit scientist, born Autun, France ; died Peking, China. After completing his astronomical studies at Paris, he was sent to the Chinese mission, and appointed by the emperor to design and execute a system of decorative fountains in the royal gardens. He made a large map of the world, and a general chart of the empire, and translated the “Imitation of Christ” into Chinese.
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Benoit Michel
a learned French Jesuit missionary, was born at Aututn, Oct. 8, 1715. He studied especially mathematics, astronomy, and physics, and departed for China in 1745. He executed several hydraulic works which the emperor Kien-Long intrusted to him, and made known to this prince the telescope, the pneumatic machine, the graving-tool, etc. These sciences aided him in accomplishing his object, which was the conversion of the people. At his death, which occurred Oct. 25 1774, the Christians of Pekin mourned for him, and the emperor Kien-Long keenly lamented him. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.; Landon, Eccles. Dict. s.v.; Biog. Universelle, s.v.