Complex sentence: Francis Nepveu (29 April 1639-17 February, 1708) was a writer on ascetical subjects, b. at St. Malo, 29 April, 1639; entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus 12 October, 1654, when but fifteen years old.
Split into simpler sentences: Francis Nepveu (29 April 1639--17 February, 1708) was a writer on ascetical subjects. He entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus 12 October, 1654, when but fifteen years old.