Sorbon, Robert De

Sorbon, Robert De, founder of the famous French institute of the Sorbonne (q.v.), was born at Sorbon, Oct. 9, 1201. From the position of an almoner student he became successively priest, doctor of theology, and canon of the Church of Cambray. His piety and sermons gained him the notice of Louis IX, who made him his chaplain and confessor. For the aid of poor students he formed a society of secular ecclesiastics, who lived in common, and gave gratuitous instruction. Out of this, under royal and papal patronage; eventually grew the school of theology known by his name. He died at Paris, Aug. 15, 1274, leaving all his property to the institution. The Sorbonne formed one part only of the faculty of theology in the University of Paris; but its name became so famous that it was often given to the whole, and graduates were proud to name themselves of the Sorbonne rather than the university. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.