Sorbonne

sor-bon', a famous school of theology situated in the Latin quarter of Paris. It was a part of the University of Paris. It was founded in the thirteenth century by permission of Pope Alexander IV. It was intended originally for the instruction of poor students who were unable to pay for tuition in the ordinary way. In time the faculty became noted not only for piety but for learning. Theological questions were submitted to the faculty of the Sorbonne for settlement. The first printing press in France was set up within its walls. During the period of the Reformation, the Sorbonne was the French center of Catholic thought and activity. Many of the woes of the Huguenots emanated from it. It was strongly opposed to the Jesuit Society. In the eighteenth century it came into conflict with the French scholars who compiled the famous encyclopedia, and was the frequent subject of their biting, not to say scurrilous, wit. The Sorbonne was suppressed by the French Revolution and its property taken for public purposes. In 1808 the site, buildings, and property were given by Napoleon to the newly organized University of France. Numerous new buildings have been erected. The old have almost disappeared, with the exception of an old church in which the tomb of Richelieu finds shelter. See University