Mathurin-Jacques Brisson

Place: Fontenay-Le-Comte

Born: 1723

Death: 1806

Biography:

Mathurin-Jacques Brisson

, a prominent figure in the realm of zoology and natural philosophy, left an indelible mark on the scientific community with his groundbreaking work. Born on April 30, 1723, at Fontenay-le-Comte in the Vendée department of western France, Brisson's life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.

Early Life and Abandonment of Ecclesiastic Orders

Brisson's parents had initially wished for him to take ecclesiastic orders, but he abandoned this path in 1747. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of his journey into the world of natural sciences. From 1749, Brisson was employed by René Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur, a wealthy French naturalist, as the curator of a vast private collection of natural history objects.

Contributions to Zoology and Natural Philosophy

Brisson's most notable contributions include his book Le Règne animal, published in 1756, and the six-volume work Ornithologie, published in 1760. In Ornithologie, Brisson clearly indicated whether he had personally examined a specimen or relied on descriptions from other authors, showcasing his meticulous approach to classification.

• Classification of Animals: Influenced by the works of Carl Linnaeus and Jacob Theodor Klein, Brisson's work significantly advanced the understanding of animal classification.
• Introduction of Genera Names: Although his Latin names for bird species do not conform to the binomial system recognized by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), his introduction of genera names is accepted by the ICZN.

Later Life and Transition to Physics

After de Réaumur's death in 1757, Brisson succeeded Jean-Antoine Nollet as professor of physics at the College of Navarre in Paris in 1762. His significant work on the specific weight of bodies, Pesanteur Spécifique des Corps, was published in 1787.

Personal Life and Legacy

Brisson married Marie-Denise Foliot de Foucherolles on April 24, 1775, with whom he had three children. He passed away on June 23, 1806, at Magny-les-Hameaux near Versailles.

• Explore Brisson's artwork and contributions to zoology through Mathurin-Jacques Brisson's page on Wikioo.org.
• Discover the fascinating world of medicine at Musée Flaubert - D'histoire de la Médecine, featured on Wikioo.org's blog post.
• Learn more about the history of medicine and its significance in shaping our understanding of the brain and its functions.