Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle

Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle

Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle (15 June 1746 – 18 August 1800) was an 18th-century French botanist and civil servant. He made significant contributions to the field of botany and is recognized for his work in the classification and study of plants.

Early Life

L'Héritier was born into an affluent upper-class family in Paris, France. His family's connections to the French Royal Court played a crucial role in his early career, enabling him to secure prestigious positions within the royal administration.

Career

At the age of twenty-six, L'Héritier was appointed as the Superintendent of Parisian Waters and Forests. In this role:

• He conducted extensive studies on native trees and shrubs.
• He developed an interest in exotic flora brought to Europe during the era of exploration and colonization.

Contributions to Botany

L'Héritier is best known for his contributions to plant taxonomy:

• He described numerous species of plants, many of which were new to science.
• He authored scientific papers and botanical illustrations that remain significant in the history of botany.
• The standard author abbreviation L'Hér. is used to denote him when citing a botanical name. The alternative abbreviation L'Herit. is also recognized.

Legacy

L'Héritier’s work has left a lasting impact on the field of botany, particularly in the classification and study of plants. His meticulous documentation and illustrations continue to be referenced in botanical literature.

See Also

• Botany
• Plant taxonomy
• French botanists