Court de Gébelin, Antoine (1719-1784)

Writer.

Entered the University of Lausanne (1730). Defended his thesis in theology (1754). Named lecteur de philosophie et de morale at the French seminary in Lausanne.

Fled to France following the publication of Les Toulousaines (1763), a work condemned by Voltaire and by the Calvinists in Geneva. Author of Le monde primitif analysé et comparé avec le monde moderne (9 volumes, 1773-82). Member (1776) and secretary (1778) of the Masonic Lodge of the Nine Sisters.

Founded (1780) and was president of a filial lodge, La société apollinienne, which became the Musée de Paris. Collaborated with Franklin to publish the periodical Affaires de l’Angleterre et de l’Amérique (1776-78).

Born in Geneva. Son of Antoine Court, a prominent Protestant minister.