Louis Figuier

Born in Montpellier in 1819, Louis Figuier trained as a scientist and became a professor of pharmacy before devoting himself mainly to writing. He is remembered as one of the great popularizers of science in 19th-century France, explaining scientific discoveries and technical progress for readers outside specialist circles.

Figuier wrote prolifically on subjects such as chemistry, industry, daily life, inventions, and natural history. One of his best-known works, La Terre avant le déluge (The World Before the Deluge), introduced many readers to prehistoric life and helped spread interest in paleontology.

He also founded and edited the annual reference work L'Année scientifique et industrielle, which reported on recent scientific and industrial developments. He died in 1894, leaving behind a body of work that reflects a time when science writing was becoming a major part of public culture.