Claude Bourgelat

Born in Lyon in 1712, Claude Bourgelat began his career in law before following his deep interest in horses and equitation. He became head of the Lyon riding academy and built a reputation through influential books on horsemanship and animal medicine.

Bourgelat is best known as one of the founders of scientific veterinary medicine. He established the veterinary school at Lyon in 1761, widely regarded as the first of its kind, and later helped create a second school at Alfort near Paris. His teaching brought together practical experience with anatomy, natural history, and medicine at a time when animal care was becoming more systematic and professional.

He also contributed to the great French Encyclopédie and was recognized in learned circles for his expertise. By the time of his death in 1779, he had helped create a new field of study whose influence spread far beyond France.