Thomasius

Thomasius, CHRISTIAN (1655-1728), German jurist, born at Leipzig, was educated there, proceeding in 1675 to Frankfort to study philosophy and law. Graduating in 1679 as doctor, he became an advocate, and was appointed professor in Leipzig University, where his innovation of reading his lectures in the vulgar tongue caused a sensation. His ability and knowledge were great, but he made many enemies, and was obliged to seek refuge in Berlin. He was finally professor of jurisprudence at Halle, and exercised considerable influence on the laws of his day. He published some very important works on jurisprudence.