Arnoult de Lisle(1556–1613) was a French physician, Arabist, and diplomat of the 16th and 17th centuries.
Arnoult de Lisle | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1556 Paris |
| Died | 25 November 1613 (aged about 57) Paris |
| Other names | Arnould de l'Isle, Arnulphus de Lislo, Arnulphus de Insulanus |
| Known for | Promoting relations between France and Morocco |
| Relatives | Louis Duret(father-in-law) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Medicine, Arabic culture |
| Institutions | Collège de France |
| Patrons | Henry III of France,Henry IV of France |
As a young physician, he married the daughter ofLouis Duret,a follower ofAvicenna,in 1586.
Morocco (1588–98)
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In 1587, Arnoult de Lisle was appointed at 31 as the first professor of the chair of Arabic founded for him byHenry III of Franceat theCollège de France,and received the title of "lecteur et professeur du Roy en langue Arabique".[1]
Arnoult de Lisle was soon sent to Morocco, however, to become physician to the Sultan ofMoroccofrom 1588 to 1598 at the instigation ofHenry III of France.[1]He had become interested in the position in order to learn the Arabic language on the spot as a way to further his medical knowledge. He succeededGuillaume Bérard,who had been physician toAbd al-Malikand thenEl-Mansour,in this position. Although Arnoult de Lisle was not officially Consul, he acted as an agent to the king of France and played a diplomatic role. He was based inMarrakesh,while another Frenchman,Georges Fornier,a former assistant toGuillaume Bérard,was based inFès.Arnoult de Lisle was then succeeded byÉtienne Hubert d'Orléansfrom 1598 to 1600.[1]
Professor of Arabic at the College de France (1598–1613)
editHe returned to France to become the professor of Arabic at theCollège de France.He held the teaching position until 1613, although he doesn't seem to have taught regularly, and continued with diplomatic endeavours.[1]Abudacnusworked as an interpreter for him at the College de France.[2]
In 1606–7,Henry IV of Franceagain sent Arnoult de Lisle to Morocco as ambassador, in order to obtain the observance of past friendship treaties.