[Born at Nogaret, in France, 1756. Died in Paris, 1832. Aged 76.]
As a chemist eminent for making the science subservient to the uses of
manufacture. In 1800, elected Minister of State. In 1802, presented to
the State a scheme for education which embodied Napoleon’s educational
measures. Curious to say, the scheme betrayed a distrust of general
education altogether, and an anxiety to train up youth in the interest
of the government. An able statesman, but in science a practical
philosopher, rather than a brilliant discoverer.