(1630-1718) Historian, born Tulle, France; died Paris, France. A critical student of the origins, customs, and institutions of the French nation, his writings were. based solely on genuine documents and original sources, and stimulated a scientific spirit in historical research. While librarian to Colbert he amassed a quantity of material of the greatest use to 19th century historians. His chief writings are: The Capitularies of the Frankish Kings; The Works of Marius Mercator; and Lives of the Avignon Popes.