Barthelemy Saint Hilaire

Barthelemy Saint Hilaire, Jules, was born in Paris in 1805, and began life as a journalist, being an active participator in the revolution of 1830. In 1833 he dropped politics and devoted himself to the translation of Aristotle, being appointed five years later to the chair of classical philosophy in the College of France. In 1848 he supported Odillon Barrot, but after the Coup d'Etat resigned his professorship and spent ten years in private study and travel. He was reinstated in 1862, remained in Paris during the siege, and in 1870 was elected deputy, giving his support to M. Thiers, and after his fall joining the moderate Republicans. In 1875 he was made a life-senator, and in 1880 became Minister for Foreign Affairs, in which capacity he took an active part in the occupation of Tunis. This policy led to the resignation of M. Ferry, and Saint Hilaire returned to his literary labours, acting as executor to M. Thiers and M. Cousin. Saint Hilaire has also done much in the field of Oriental study.