Jean Mabillon

Jean Mabillon was a French Benedictine monk and scholar born in 1632, renowned for founding the science of diplomatics—the study of historical documents and manuscripts. His work focused on authenticating and dating medieval documents, developing methods to verify their origins and ensure their integrity. Mabillon's meticulous approach helped distinguish genuine historical records from forgeries, significantly advancing historical research. His influential book, "De re diplomatica," set standards for examining medieval charters and other documents, shaping modern practices in historical document analysis and archival science.