Paris, France/paris7-021
Previous | Home | NextThis is Berthollet's tombstone in the Arcueil-Cachan cemetery. Berthollet -- the very same one who had invented "l'eau of Javel" and who had collaborated with Lavoisier -- accomapnied Napoleon during Egyptian campaign (1798-1801) and returned as Napoleon's "favorite scientist." The emperor, realizing the importance of technology in his imperialistic aims (for example, in the production of gunpowder), founded the École polytechnique and supported science in general. For Berthollet he provided the funds for generous living quarters, and in 1801 Berthollet built a mansion in Arcueil. In this mansion was included a lavishly equipped laboratory "devoted to quality instead of quantity."
