FESL, MICHAEL JOSEPH. — Philosopher, born in Prague in 1788, died in Vienna in 1863; disciple of B. Bolzano, editor of his works, and disseminator of his philosophy (especially in anonymous articles and reviews). From 1816 he was a professor in Leitmeritz (Bohemia), where in that same year he founded the Christenbund, a circle of theologians, inspired by the principles of Bolzano’s philosophy. In 1819, following an accusation of high treason brought against the Christenbund, F. was sentenced to twelve years’ imprisonment and perpetual confinement. F.’s literary legacy is preserved, together with Bolzano’s, in the National Museum of Prague.
BIBL.: E. Winter, s.V. in LTSK, III, col. 1013.