The Legacy of Charles du Fresne, du Cange

The Life of Charles du Fresne, du Cange

Who Was Charles du Fresne?

Born in 1610 in Pérouse, Italy, Charles du Fresne, du Cange, was a prominent French philologist and scholar whose work significantly impacted the study of medieval Latin and the development of historical linguistics. His dedicated approach to language analysis laid the groundwork for future generations of linguists.

The Scholarly Contributions of Charles du Fresne

Du Cange is renowned for his monumental work, the Glossarium ad Scriptores Mediae et Infimae Latinitatis, published in the late 17th century. This exhaustive dictionary of medieval Latin not only cataloged the words used in that period but also provided context about their meanings, usage, and relevance in historical texts. His meticulous scholarship and attention to detail have made this work an essential reference for historians and philologists alike.

The Death of Charles du Fresne

The Date and Circumstances of His Passing

On August 6, 1688, Charles du Fresne passed away at the age of 77, marking the end of a significant era in linguistic scholarship. His death was a notable loss to the intellectual community of France and beyond, as his contributions had elevated the field of philology.

Impact of Du Cange’s Legacy

Even after his death, du Cange's works remained influential, shaping the future of medieval studies and linguistics. Scholars continued to reference his dictionary for its insightful analyses and comprehensive coverage, which still serve as cornerstones of philological research today.

Fun Fact

Interesting Tidbits About Charles du Fresne

One noteworthy aspect of du Cange’s life is his interdisciplinary approach. In addition to linguistics, he was deeply interested in history and law, which enriched his scholarly works with a multi-faceted perspective that contributed to his robust analyses of language use throughout history.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Charles du Fresne, du Cange

To delve deeper into the life and work of Charles du Fresne, consider exploring "Historical Linguistics: A Brief Introduction" or "Medieval Latin: An Introduction and Bibliography". These texts provide further insights into the language of the medieval period and the profound impact of scholars like du Cange.