"Franchi (Ausonio)," the pen name of Francesco Cristoforo Bonavino, Italian ex-priest, b. Pegli, 24 Feb. 1821. Brought up in the Church and ordained priest in '44, the practice of the confessional made him sceptical and he quitted it for philosophy, having ceased to believe in its dogmas, '49. In '52 he published his principal work, entitled The Philosophy of the Italian Schools. The following year he published The Religion of the Nineteenth Century. He established La Razione (Reason) and Il Libero Pensiero at Turin, '54-57; wrote on the Rationalism of the People, Geneva, '56, and became an active organiser of anti-clerical societies. In '66 he published a criticism of Positivism, and has since written Critical and Polemical Essays, 3 vols. Milan, '70-72. In '68 was appointed Professor of Philosophy in the Academy of Milan by Terenzio Mamiani. Francis (Samuel), M.D., author of Watson Refuted, published by Carlile, 1819. Francois de Neufchateau (Nicolas Louis), Count, French statesman, poet, and academician, b. Lorraine, 17 April, 1750. In his youth he became secretary to Voltaire, who regarded him as his successor. He favored the Revolution, and was elected to the Legislative Assembly in '91. As Member of the Directory, '97, he circulated d'Holbach's Contagion Sacrée. He became President of the Senate, '14-16. He wrote numerous pieces. Died at Paris 10 Jan. 1828. Franklin (Benjamin), American patriot and philosopher, b. Boston 17 Jan. 1706. He was apprenticed to his uncle as a printer, came to England and worked at his trade '24-26; returned to Philadelphia, where he published a paper and became known by his Poor Richard's Almanack. He founded the public library at Philadelphia, and made the discovery of the identity of lightning with the electric fluid. He became member of the Provincial Assembly and was sent to England as agent. When examined before the House of Commons he spoke boldly against the Stamp Act. He was active during the war with this country, and was elected member of Congress. Became envoy to France, and effected the treaty of alliance with that country, 6 Feb. '78, which secured the independence of the American colonies. Turgot summed up his services in the fine line Eripuit cælo fulmen, sceptrumque tyrannis. "He wrested the thunderbolt from heaven and the sceptre from kings." Died at Philadelphia, 17 April, 1790. Fransham (John), a native of Norwich, b. 1730, became a teacher of mathematics, renounced the Christian religion, and professed Paganism, writing several treatises in favor of disbelief. Died 1810.