Alchemy and the Alchemists

Louis Figuier (15 February 1819 in Montpellier – 8 November 1894 in Paris) was a French scientist, writer, and professor of chemistry. He edited and published the yearbook “L’Année scientifique et industrielle” from 1857 to 1894, compiling scientific discoveries of the year. He authored successful works on inventions, science, and photography. In his book “La Terre avant le déluge,” influenced by Charles Lyell, he included illustrations of savage men and women. Despite conflicts with Claude Bernard, Figuier dedicated himself to popular science. He contributed significantly to the field and continued to make important contributions until his death in 1894.