Encyclopedic Dictionary of Bible and Theology

Pierre Laplace Catholic mathematical and physical astronomer, born Beaumont-en-Auge, 23 March 1749; died Paris, France , 5 March 1827. Known as “the Newton of France,” and the great master in celestial mechanics. Made valuable contributions to the theory of ellipsoidal attraction and the theory of probability. In his honor spherical harmonics are called “Laplace’s coefficients.” … Continue reading “Pierre Laplace”

Pierre, Jean Henri Grand, D.D a minister of the National Reformed Church of France, was born at Neufchftel, Switzerland, towards the close of the last century. He was educated at Neufchatel and at the University of Tubingen, Germany; was called to be an assistant pastor with Vinet at Basle, in 1823, where his piety, zeal, … Continue reading “Pierre, Jean Henri Grand, D.D”

Pierre Jean De Smet Jesuit missionary, born Termonde, Belgium , 1801 ; died Saint Louis, Missoui, USA, 1873 . He came to the United States in 1821 , became a Jesuit, and was one of the founders of the Missouri Province. In 1838 he estabished a mission among the Potawatomies at Council Bluffs, and arranged … Continue reading “Pierre Jean De Smet”

Pierre, Jean Baptiste Maria a French painter, was born at Paris in 1715. It is not known by whom he was instructed; but he went, when quite young, to Rome, where he remained several years. On his return to Paris he distinguished himself as a historical painter; and executed several works for the churches and … Continue reading “Pierre, Jean Baptiste Maria”

Pierre Heude Jesuit zoologist, born Fougeres, France, 1836; died Zi-ka-wei, China, 1902. Going to the Far East mission in 1868, he seized the opportunities offered by his pastoral wanderings to continue his scientific studies. His writings on the land molluscs of China are the standard authority. He was one of the chief contributors to the … Continue reading “Pierre Heude”

Pierre Gassendi Philosopher and scientist, born Champtercier, Provence, France , 1592; died Paris, France , 1655. After studying theology at Aix and becoming provost of Digne cathedral , he received a chair of mathematics at the College Royale de France, where he delivered a series of astronomical lectures. Gassendi, called “the Bacon of France,” is … Continue reading “Pierre Gassendi”

Pierre de Maricourt Surnamed PETER THE PILGRIM (Petrus Peregrinus) A physician of the Middle Ages. Under the name of “Magister Petrus de Maharne-curia, Picardus”, he is quoted by Roger Bacon in his “Opus Majus” as the only author of his time who possessed an exact knowledge of perspective. According to Bacon he came from Picardy, … Continue reading “Pierre de Maricourt”

Pierre de Castelnau, Blessed Born in the Diocese of Montpellier, Languedoc, now Department of Hérault, France; died 15 Jan., 1208. He embraced the ecclesiastical state, and was appointed Archdeacon of Maguelonne (now Montpellier). Pope Innocent III sent him (1199) with two Cistercians as his legate into the middle of France, for the conversion of the … Continue reading “Pierre de Castelnau, Blessed”

Pierre de Brulle Cardinal , founder of the French Congregation of the Oratory, born Cerilly, Champagne, France , 1575 ; died 1629 . After his ordination he labored for the conversion of Protestants in union with Saint Francis de Sales. With Madame Acarie he introduced the reformed Carmelite nuns into France , and in 1611 … Continue reading “Pierre de Bérulle”

Pierre Corneille Dramatist, born Rouen, France , 1606 ; died Paris, France , 1684 . He was educated by the Jesuits, and, after admission to the bar, devoted himself to literature. His early comedies attracted the attention of Richelieu, who employed him for a time to revise his own plays. In 1636 the success of … Continue reading “Pierre Corneille”