Jean-Baptiste Labat

Jean-Baptiste Labat (1663-1738), French clergyman and botanist. Born in Paris, he entered the order of the Dominicans at the age of twenty. He was ordained at the completion of his philosophical and theological studies. Besides preaching, he taught philosophy and mathematics to secular students at Nancy. Abandoning this work, he devoted himself to missionary activity and for many years preached in the various churches of France.

Related Topics:
1663 - 1738 - French - Botanist - Paris - Dominicans - Philosophy - Mathematics - Nancy

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In 1693, determined to devote himself to foreign missionary work, he received permission from the general of his order to travel to the West Indies, then under French domination. On January 29, 1694, he landed in Martinique. He was entrusted with the parish of Macouba, where he labored for two years.

Related Topics:
1693 - West Indies - January 29 - 1694 - Martinique

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In 1696 he travelled to Guadeloupe, and appointed procurator-general of all the Dominican convents in the Antilles upon his return to Martinique.

Related Topics:
1696 - Guadeloupe - Antilles

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The French government appointed him as an engineer due to his scientific knowledge. In this capacity, he visited the French, Dutch, and English Antilles from Grenada to Hispaniola.

Related Topics:
Grenada - Hispaniola

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As engineer in Guadeloupe, he took an active part in its defense when the British attacked the island in 1704. Labat fired several cannon with his own hand.

Related Topics:
British - 1704 - Cannon

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In 1706, Labat was sent to Europe as deputy of his order. He spent several years in Italy and attended a meeting of the order at Bologna, and presenting to the general a report of his work. Labat prepared to return to America, but was denied permission and detained in Rome for several years. He traveled to Paris in 1715. During these years, Labat commenced a long contemplated history of the West Indies. The work was finally published in six volumes at Paris, in 1722, with copious illustrations made by himself (Nouveau Voyage aux isles Françoises de l'Amérique, Paris, 1722).

Related Topics:
1706 - Bologna - Rome - 1715 - West Indies - 1722 - Paris

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