"Maupertuis is not of very engaging ways; he takes my dimensions harshly with his quadrant: it is said there enters something of envy into his DATA.

...

A somewhat surly gentleman; not too sociable; and, truth to say, considerably sunk here [ASSEZ BAISSE, my D'Argental].
...

"I endure Maupertuis, not having been able to soften him.

In all countries there are insociable fellows, with whom you are obliged to live, though it is difficult.