Dictionary.net

A French scientific writer; born at Montpellier, Feb. 15, 1819; died at Paris, Nov. 9, 1894. He has done much for the popularization of science as editor of the scientific column of the Presse, and as author of "The Exposition and History of the Principal Modern Scientific Discoveries" (1851-53); "Alchemy and Alchemists" (1854); "Great Ancient and Modern Inventions" (1864, 3d ed.); "The Earth before the Deluge" (1866, 5th ed.); "Lives of Illustrious Savants" (1866); "Marvels of Science" (1867-69).