Pierre Berthier | |
|---|---|
 Pierre Berthier | |
| Born | 3 July 1782 |
| Died | 24 August 1861 (aged 79) |
| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Polytechnique |
| Known for | Bauxite |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Geology |
| Institutions | École des Mines |
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 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]
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Pierre BERTHIER".
- ^ Le Registre infâmant, Quintes Feuilles, 2012, ISBN 978-2-9532885-6-8