Gassen'di, Pierre

a French philosopher and mathematician, B. in 1592, at Chantersier, near Digne; in the pected, he adopted the Copernican system of the Universe, cautiously but intelligently; and greatly contributed to bring about a right understanding of its significance. He was a friend and correspondent of Galileo; he avowed himself the disciple of Bacon, and unquestionably his writings prepared the way for those of Locke. G's personal character was of the highest order; gentle, serene, and dignified; modest, notwithstanding his wide repute; impartial and forbearing. D. in Paris, 1655.