He studied theology in Lausanne, and from 1813 to 1816, worked as a tutor in Paris. From 1816 to 1845 he was a professor of French literature at the Academy of Lausanne. In 1847 he attained the chair of literature and Romance languages at the University of Bonn, a position he maintained up until his death.Monnard, Charles Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse
