LAKANAL, Joseph, French educator, born in Serres, France, 14 July, 1762; died in Paris, 14 Feb, 1845. He studied theology, and became a professor of rhetoric at Bourges, and of philosophy at Moulins. He was a member of the National convention in 1792-'5, and was noticeable there for his solicitude in protecting the interests of literature, arts, and the sciences. Professor Lakanal entered the Council of five hundred in 1795. He was professor at the Lycee Charlemagne under the consulate and empire, but was compelled to leave the country at the restoration in 1814, and came to the United States. He was welcomed by Thomas Jefferson, and congress gave him a grant of 500 acres of cotton-land in Alabama. He then became a planter, and was afterward chosen president of the University of Louisiana. He returned to France after the revolution of 1830, and was reelected to the Academy of sciences in 1834.