French Chemist who specialized in thermochemistry and is known for his role in developing the Thomsen-Berthelot principle. He successfully disproved the theory of vitalism, the idea that living organisms are made up of fundamentally different matter than non-living organisms.
He studied history and philosophy at university.
He proved that organic compounds can be produced from inorganic materials.
He was married to Sophie Niaudet, whose death immediately preceded his, and they had six children.
Auguste Rodin created a bust of him that is displayed in Copenhagen, Denmark.
