French chemist who is best known for his contributions to the science of thermochemistry and for his research in the synthesis of organic compounds.
Background
He was born in Paris on Oct. 25, 1827. He discarded the prevalent theory that the existence of compounds depends on a vital force. Among the compounds which he was the first to synthesize were methane, benzene, acetylene, formic acid, and methyl and ethyl alcohols. He was the inventor of a calorimeter, named for him, for measuring the latent heat of vaporization of liquids. His thermochemical research led him to experiments in the field of explosives, which had an important effect on his public life. He was prominent also in the fields of education and government. Berthelot died in Paris on Mar. 18, 1907
Education
He studied at the College de France under Antoine J. Balard and later became his assistant.
Career
As president of the Scientific Defense Committee, during the siege of Paris (1870-1871) he supervised the manufacture of ammunition and guns. In 1878, as president of the Committee on Explosives, he introduced smokeless powder. He served as inspector general of higher education in 1876, and was elected a life senator in 1881. He was minister of public instruction in the RenéRene Goblet ministry (1886-1887) and minister for foreign affairs in the LéonLeon Bourgeois cabinet (1895-1896).
Works
book
Chimie organique fondéefondee sur la synthèsesynthese
Les carbures d'hydrogèned'hydrogene
MécaniqueMecanique chimique
Thermochimie
Other Work
Sur les combinaisons de la glycérineglycerine avec les acides
Sur la force de la poudre et des matièresmatieres explosives
Connections
Berthelot died suddenly, immediately after the death of his wife Sophie Niaudet (1837–1907), at Paris, and was buried with her in the Panthéon. He had six children: Marcel André (1862–1939), Marie-Hélène (1863–1895), Camille (1864–1928), Daniel (1865–1927), Philippe (1866–1934), and René (1872–1960).