Patot. See [Tyssot de Patot (S.)]
Pauw (Cornelius), learned Dutch writer, b. Amsterdam, 1739. He wrote philosophical researches on the Americans, and also on the Egyptians, Chinese, and Greeks. Was esteemed by Frederick the Great for his ingenuity and penetration. Died at Xanten, 7 July, 1799. He was the uncle of Anacharsis Clootz.
Peacock (John Macleay), Scotch poet, b. 21 March, 1817. He wrote many poems in the National Reformer, and in ’67 published Hours of Reverie. Died 4 May, 1877.
Peacock or Pecock (Reginald), the father of English rationalism, b. about 1390, and educated at Oriel College Oxford, of which he was chosen fellow in 1417. Was successively Bishop of St Asaph, 1444, and Chichester, 1450, by the favor of Humphrey, the good Duke of Gloster. He declared that Scripture must in all cases be accommodated to “the doom of reason.” He questioned the genuineness of the Apostles’ Creed. In 1457 he was accused of heresy, recanted from fear of martyrdom, was deprived of his bishopric, and imprisoned in a monastery at Canterbury, where he used to repeat to those who visited him,
“Wit hath wonder, that reason cannot skan,
How a Moder is Mayd, and God is Man.”
His books were publicly burnt at Oxford. He died in 1460. His influence doubtless contributed to the Reformation.
Pearson (Karl), author of a volume of essays entitled The Ethic of Freethought, 1888. Educated at Cambridge; B.A. ’79, M.A. ’82.
Pechmeja (Jean de), French writer. A friend of Raynal, he wrote a socialistic romance in 12 books in the style of Telemachus, called Télèphe, 1784. Died 1785.
Peck (John), American writer in the Truthseeker. Has published Miracles and Miracle Workers, etc.