[Born at Rochelle, in France, 1683. Died at Maine, in France, 1757.
Aged 74.]
The discoverer, in his own country, of the art of making steel, till
then imported into France. The thermometer which he adjusted, and which
is named after him, is chiefly used on the continent. His life spent in
the service of science, and in the close pursuit of truth. Entomology
was, however, his favourite study; and he contributed a most interesting
memoir towards the history of insects. He died from the effects of a
fall from his horse.