Background
Du Crest was born into the aristocracy, and during a period in the military he became a Captain and military engineer by the age of 23.
cartographer engineer physicist
Du Crest was born into the aristocracy, and during a period in the military he became a Captain and military engineer by the age of 23.
During his time there, he mapped the Alps accurately using rudimentary tools. During his time in the parliament, Du Crest argued against the Genevan oligarchy and was an outspoken critic of the planned wall around Geneva. Du Crest fled to France in 1730, and an effigy was symbolically beheaded in 1735.
Whilst in France, Du Crest spent much of his time dedicated to scientific study.
He made advances in the study of temperature and came up with a recognised temperature scale which was used in Switzerland for many years. Du Crest was still outspoken regarding political issues, and lost the support of the people protecting him in France.
He was forced to flee again across Europe in 1744, stopping in major cities such as Zurich and Bern, until he became ill and was hospitalised in Bern"s Inselspital, where he was arrested in 1746. He was moved to Aarburg Castle, after getting involved with Samuel Henzi"s conspiracy, where he was held as a political prisoner for the remainder of his life.
Temperature scale Thermometer Mapping the Alps.
In 1721, after leaving the army, he took up his place as a member of the Genevan parliament, as was his family"s right, specialising in security.