Note 277 — Chapter II

Sylvius (1530) had proposed a new system of orthography based on etymology and pronunciation. Meigret, however, was the chief exponent of the reformers, who sought to make orthography tally with pronunciation (in his Traité touchant le comun usage de l'escriture françoise, 1542 and 1545, and other works). Meigret was supported by Peletier du Mans (Dialogue de l'ortografe et prononciation françoese, 1549) and others, and bitterly attacked by the opposing party. The question, once opened, continued to be discussed until the decision of the Academy (founded 1649) settled the matter. Brunot, op. cit. ii. pp. 93 sqq.