Sacy

Sacy, Antoine Isaac Sylvestre, Baron de (1758-1838), Orientalist, was born in Paris, and was induced by the learned Benedictine, named Berthereau, to study the Eastern tongues. His proficiency was such that in 1785 he was made associate of the Academy of Inscriptions. On Napoleon's accession he became a member of the Institute, and in 1808 Professor of Persian at the College of France. After the return of the Bourbons he entered the Chamber of Deputies, and was created a peer by Louis Philippe and keeper of the royal collection of Oriental manuscripts. He was the father of modern Oriental studies, and produced some most valuable Arabic grammars, among other works.