| French chemist and pharmacist Date of Birth: Country: France |
Born into a humble family in Normandy, France, Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin's father managed workers at the Château d'Epertot for the Chancellor d'Aguesseau. Despite his impoverished background, Vauquelin excelled in his studies and displayed a keen interest in science. As a young man, he left home for Rouen, where he apprenticed as a pharmacist, studying physics and chemistry under a local apothecary.
While working in the laboratory, Vauquelin exhibited an extraordinary ability to absorb knowledge and practical skills. He often stayed late at night, scribbling notes on sheets of paper from books borrowed from fellow students. However, his enthusiasm was met with resistance when his mentor tore up his notebooks, discouraging his pursuit of knowledge. Indignant, Vauquelin left Rouen and embarked on a perilous journey to Paris, determined to become a pharmacist's apprentice.
In Paris, Vauquelin's fortunes changed when he crossed paths with Antoine-François Fourcroy, a renowned chemist and influential figure in the scientific community. Fourcroy, impressed by Vauquelin's determination and intellect, took him under his wing, providing him with shelter, sustenance, and access to a laboratory. Under Fourcroy's mentorship, Vauquelin immersed himself in the study of chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, and natural history.
Fourcroy recognized Vauquelin's exceptional abilities and promoted his career tirelessly. He introduced him to the scientific world and helped him gain recognition within the scientific community. Together, they conducted groundbreaking experiments and published their findings, solidifying Vauquelin's reputation as a leading chemist.
Vauquelin's career flourished as he progressed from assistant and apprentice to Fourcroy's esteemed colleague and close friend. He became a member of the prestigious Académie des Sciences and held professorships at the École des Mines, the École Polytechnique, and the Collège de France.
During the French Revolution, Vauquelin played a vital role in the production of saltpeter, essential for the manufacture of gunpowder. He also served as an inspector of the École des Mines and the head of the testing laboratory, where he conducted extensive analyses of minerals.
Vauquelin's passion for chemistry extended to its practical applications. He sought to establish a specialized pharmaceutical school in Paris but was initially denied. However, he achieved recognition as an authority in metallurgy with the anonymous publication of "L'Art de l'Essayeur."
Vauquelin's contributions to chemistry are significant. Among his most notable achievements, he discovered two new chemical elements: chromium in and beryllium in He also isolated numerous chemical compounds from plant and animal sources, including nicotine from tobacco.
Vauquelin's research spanned a wide range of fields, from analytical chemistry to organic chemistry. He published over scientific papers, contributing to the understanding of substances such as vegetable dyes, medicines, and minerals.
Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin's legacy endures as a renowned chemist, teacher, and scientific pioneer. He was a member of numerous scientific societies, including the Royal Society of London and the Prussian Academy of Sciences. In , he was elected to the French Chamber of Deputies, representing the Department of Calvados.
Vauquelin's later years were marked by declining health. He retired to his hometown of Epertot, where he spent his final days surrounded by his family and friends. Vauquelin died peacefully in , leaving behind an enduring legacy of scientific achievement and the enduring respect of his peers and students.