Denslow (Van Buren), American writer, author of essays on Modern Thinkers, 1880, to which Colonel Ingersoll wrote an introduction. He contributed a paper on the value of irreligion to the Religio Philosophic journal of America, Jan. ’78, and has written in the Truthseeker and other journals.
Denton (William F.), poet, geologist, and lecturer, b. Darlington, Durham, 8 Jan. 1823. After attaining manhood he emigrated to the United States, ’48, and in ’56 published Poems for Reformers. He was a prolific writer, and constant lecturer on temperance, psychology, geology, and Freethought. In ’72 he published Radical Discourses on Religious Subjects (Boston, ’72), and Radical Rhymes, ’79. He travelled to Australasia, and died of a fever while conducting scientific explorations in New Guinea 26 Aug. 1883.
De Paepe (César) Dr., Belgian Socialist, b. Ostend, 12 July, 1842. He was sent to the college of St. Michel, Brussels. He obtained the Diploma of Candidate of Philosophy, but on the death of his father became a printer with Désiré Brismée (founder of Les Solidaires, a Rationalist society). Proudhon confided to him the correction of his works. He became a physician and is popular with the workmen’s societies. He was one of the foremost members of the International and attended all its congresses, as well as those of the International Federation of Freethinkers. He has written much on public hygiene, political economy, and psychology, collaborating in a great number of the most advanced journals. Dr. De Paepe is a short, fair, energetic man, capable both as a speaker and writer.
Depasse (Hector), French writer, b. at Armentières in 1843, is editor of La République Française, and member of the Paris Municipal Council. He has written a striking work on Clericalism, in which he urges the separation of Church and State, 1877; and is author of many little books on Contemporary Celebrities, among them are Gambetta, Bert, Ranc, etc.
De Ponnat. See [Ponnat (—de), Baron].
De Pontan. See [Ponnat].
De Potter (Agathon Louis), Belgian economist, b. Brussels, 11 Nov. 1827. Has written many works on Social Science, and has collaborated to La Ragione (Reason), ’56, and La Philosophie de l’Avenir.
De Potter (Louis Antoine Joseph), Belgian politician and writer, father of the above, b. of noble family, Bruges, 26 April, 1786. In 1811 he went to Italy and lived ten years at Rome. In ’21 he wrote the Spirit of the Church, in 6 vols., which are put on the Roman Index. A strong upholder of secular education in Belgium, he was arrested more than once for his radicalism, being imprisoned for eighteen months in ’28. In Sept. ’30 he became a member of the provisional government. He was afterwards exiled and lived in Paris, where he wrote a philosophical and anti-clerical History of Christianity, in 8 vols., 1836–37. He also wrote a Rational Catechism, 1854, and a Rational Dictionary, 1859, and numerous brochures. Died Bruges, 22 July, 1859.
Deraismes (Maria), French writer and lecturer, b. Paris, 15 Aug. 1835. She first made her name as a writer of comedies. She wrote an appeal on behalf of her sex, Aux Femmes Riches, ’65. The Masonic Lodge of Le Pecq, near Paris, invited her to become a member, and she was duly installed under the Grand Orient of France. The first female Freemason, was president of the Paris Anti-clerical Congress of 1881, and has written much in her journal, Le Républicain de Seine et Oise.
De Roberty (Eugene). See [Roberty].