Schall, Johann Adam Von

Schall, Johann Adam Von a Jesuit missionary to China, was born at Cologne in 1591. He entered the Jesuit order in 1611, and was selected, partly because of his knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, to form one of the mission to China in 1620. He not only formed a successful mission, but, on account of his learning, was invited to the imperial court at Pekin. Through his influence with the emperor, he obtained an edict authorizing the building of Catholic churches and liberty of preaching throughout the empire. In the space of fourteen years the Jesuit missionaries are said to have received 100,000 proselytes. Upon the death of the emperor the edict was revoked. Schall was thrown into prison and sentenced to death, was released, again imprisoned, and died Aug. 15, 1669. A large MS. collection of his remains in Chinese, amounting to fourteen volumes in 4to, is preserved in the Vatican Library. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Générale, s.v.