Michel Eugène Chevreul

Michel Eugène Chevreul (31 August 1786 – 9 April 1889) was a French chemist whose work with fatty acids led to early advancements in the fields of chemistry and lipids. His research played a pivotal role in the development of the soap and candle industry, and he is also renowned for his studies on color theory, which significantly influenced the art world, particularly the Impressionist movement.

Early Life and Education

Michel Eugène Chevreul was born in Angers, France. He was the son of a physician, which likely influenced his early interest in science. Chevreul pursued his education at the Museum of Natural History in Paris, where he studied under renowned chemists such as Louis Nicolas Vauquelin. His academic prowess was evident from an early age, and he quickly made significant contributions to the field of chemistry.

Career and Contributions

Chevreul's career was marked by his extensive research into fatty acids and the process of saponification, the chemical reaction used to make soap. His work in isolating and identifying different fatty acids was groundbreaking and laid the foundation for modern organic chemistry. Chevreul's most notable work, "On the Laws of Contrast of Colors," published in 1839, explored how colors affect one another and the human perception of them. This work had a profound impact on artists and was instrumental in the development of the Impressionist movement.

In addition to his scientific endeavors, Chevreul served as the director of the Gobelins Tapestry Factory in Paris, where he applied his color theories to the production of tapestries, further bridging the gap between science and art.

Legacy

Chevreul's contributions to chemistry and art have left a lasting legacy. He was a member of numerous scientific societies and received several prestigious awards throughout his career. His work not only advanced the field of chemistry but also had a significant impact on the visual arts, influencing generations of artists.

Chevreul lived to be 102 years old, a testament to his robust health and the era's advancements in medicine. His longevity allowed him to witness and contribute to significant scientific developments over two centuries.

Selected Works

• On the Laws of Contrast of Colors
• Chemical Studies on Human Bile and Its Stones: More on the Composition of Human Bile in Health and Disease

See Also

• Fatty acid
• Saponification
• Impressionism
• Color theory