1580-1637

French astronomer who discovered the Orion nebula (1610). Primarily interested in positional astronomy, Peiresc calculated terrestrial longitude and determined the length of the Mediterranean Sea (1635). However, Peiresc's importance to science is more appropriately gauged by his patronage. He provided for the publication of various scholarly works and sponsored much research, including work on the human circulatory system and supporting Pierre Gassendi, who lived at his estate for a few years while working on his philosophical writings.