Bailly, Jean

SYLVA IN, ( bai'ye,) a distinguished French astronomer, B. at Paris, 1736. In 1766, he published a work on the satellites of Jupiter. His his to rico-scientific works, especially his History of Indian Astronomy, are full of learning and ingenious disquisition, and written with great elegance. In 1777, he published his Letters on the Origin of the Sciences; and in 1799, his At lant is of Plato. In 1784, he was elected a member of the Académie Française; and in the following year, of the Académie des Inscriptions. He entered eagerly into the political discu ions of his country, and was chosen President of the first National A embly. In June, 1789, he presided at that meeting of the deputies at the Tennis court, when all took oath not to di olve until they had prepared a new constitution for France. In the following month he was made mayor of Paris, but soon lost his popularity, owing to the liberal sentiments which he expre ed towards the royal family, and his enforcing obedience to the laws. In consequence of this, he re signed his office in 1791, and sought that philosophical retirement for which he was so much more suited. In the sanguinary period which followed, he was appre hended, and after a summary proce , condemned to be guillotined. He was, accordingly, executed Nov. 11, IMG:content-0496.png:[graphic] The American Dictionary and Cyclopedia "You 1793. - When on the scaffold, the demeanor of this philosopher is said to have been perfectly tranquil. tremble, Bailly," said one of his enemies to him. "My friend, it is with cold," was the calm reply.