Pierre Berthier

Pierre Berthier (French pronunciation: [pjɛʁ bɛʁtje]; 3 July 1782, Nemours, Seine-et-Marne – 24 August 1861) was a French geologist and mining engineer.

Pierre Berthier
Pierre Berthier
Born	3 July 1782
Died	24 August 1861 (1861-08-25) (aged 79)
Nationality	French
Alma mater	École Polytechnique
Known for	Bauxite
Scientific career
Fields	Geology
Institutions	École des Mines

Pierre Berthier was born in Nemours. After studying at the École Polytechnique, he went to the École des Mines, where he became chief of the laboratory in 1816. In 1821, while working in the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, in southern France, he discovered the rock bauxite,^[1] named for the place of its discovery. He also discovered the mineral Berthierite, which was named after him. In addition to numerous contributions in mineralogy and mining, Berthier is also noted for his research into blast furnaces and for the utilization of phosphates by plants.

He was paralyzed by an accident in 1858.^[2] The detailed register of homosexuals, then maintained by the Paris police prefecture, mention him as a lover of soldiers.^[3]

Awards

Pierre Berthier was elected a member of the Académie des Sciences in 1825. In 1828, he became a chevalier of the Legion of Honor. His name is one of the 72 names inscribed on the Eiffel Tower.^[4]

References

1. P. Berthier (1821) "Analyse de l'alumine hydratée des Beaux, département des Bouches-du-Rhóne" (Analysis of hydrated alumina from Les Beaux, department of the Mouths-of-the-Rhone), Annales des mines, 1st series, 6 : 531-534.
2. "Pierre BERTHIER".
3. Le Registre infâmant, Quintes Feuilles, 2012, ISBN 978-2-9532885-6-8
4. "The 72 scientists". 2008-02-15. Archived from the original on 2008-02-15. Retrieved 2019-07-22.

• Louis, Kuslan (1970–1980). "Berthier, Pierre". Dictionary of Scientific Biography. Vol. 2. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons. pp. 72–73. ISBN 978-0-684-10114-9.