Malesherbes
CHRÉTIEN GUIL- LAUME DE LAMOIGNON DE (mälzãrb'), a French statesman; born in Paris, France, Dec. 6, 1721. He succeeded his father as president of the Court of Aids, besides which he had the superintendence of the press. His faithful service and adherence to Louis XVI. excited the jealousy of the French rulers, and caused his destruction . Almost his whole family were extirpated by the merciless proscription of his persecutors .
Malesherbes was beheaded in Paris, April 22, 1794, and bore his sufferings with a spirit worthy of his virtuous and honorable life. He was admitted to the Academy of Sciences in 1750. later to the Academy of Inscription, and in 1775 to the French Academy. He left several works on topics of the time, and on agriculture and natural history.