Quotes:Gaffarel, Jacques

Zirkoff, Boris

Gaffarel, Jacques. French Orientalist and author, b. 1601, at Maunes, Provence; d. 1681. Was ordained and became doctor of canon law at Paris; studied Oriental languages and became librarian to Cardinal de Richelieu who sent him to Italy, 1626, in search of rare MSS. Studied Rabbinical works and Kabalistic writings. As a result of his journey, published his Curiositiz inouyes, 1629, intended to defend Oriental doctrines regarding astrology and allied sciences, and to refute current ideas about valuelessness of the philosophical and religious tenets of the ancient Hebrews, Persians, etc., condemned by Catholics. Became victim of a vicious attack and was forced to retract his views before the Sorbonne and leave France. Went to Rome, 1632, Venice, Greece, Asia, then returned home. Became chaplain to the King, prior of Saint-Gilles, canon of Sigouce (Provence) monastery, where he ended his life. Acc. to Bayle, he had been ordered by Richelieu to make every effort to re-unite all the Christian communities. His writings show more erudition than judgment, and occasionally betray some credulity. Works: Abdita divinae Cabalae mysteria contra sophistarum logo-machiam defensa, Paris, 1625, 4to.—*Curiositiz inouyes, sur la Sculpture talismanique des Persons. Horoscope des Patriarches. Et lectures des Estoilles. Paris: H. Du Mesnil, 1629. 644 pp. 8vo.; Rouen: J. Bouley, 1631; Latin ed. Hamburg: G. Schultzen, 1876. 2 vols. Eng. trans, by Edmund Chilmead, as Unheard-of Curiosities, etc. London, 1650.—Dies domini sive de fine mundi, 1629.— Mariales gemitus, 1638.

Source: Boris de Zirkoff, «H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings», vol. 6, p. 433