Part of a Series on Vincentian Heritage Places

Home of André-Marie Ampère

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While a student at the Sorbonne, Frédéric found a guardian in André-Marie Ampère, a mathematical expert, and French physician who himself was Lyonnais. Ampère offered him room and board at the same price he was already paying. Ampère took a fatherly interest in Frédéric. He regularly conversed with him, sharing his ideas on scientific subjects. Frédéric benefited greatly from these interchanges, developing a genuine understanding of and an appreciation for scientific knowledge. Most importantly, Frédéric found in this “patriarch of mathematicians” a model of simple but genuine faith.

With the transfer from his former pension to his new living quarters at Ampère’s home, Frédéric also had new opportunities. According to O’Meara, he now made “contact with the most distinguished men of science and letters of the day; they all seem to have treated the modest young student with a kindness … which charmed him.”83 His exchanges with such eminent minds benefited Ozanam immensely. His circle of ideas expanded; he encountered topics unknown to him.

Source: Antoine Frédéric Ozanam by Raymond L. Sickinger, University of Notre Dame Press

Former Ampère residence, Paris

Engraving of André-Marie Ampère

All Vincentian Places in this Series

Red = Vincent de Paul, Blue = Frederic Ozanam, Teal = Elizabeth Seton, Yellow = Louise de Marillac

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