Chemist. Interested in public health and rural economy.

Employed at the Hôtel des Invalides. Named Chief Pharmacist at the Val-de-Grâce.

Founded (1777) and directed (1777-89) the Journal de Paris. Campaigned for better hygiene in prisons and hospitals. Closed the Cimetière des Innocents. Opened a baking school where the new technique of mouture économique was taught.

During the French Revolution, was President of the Assembly of the department of Seine-et-Oise (1791-92).

Born in Paris.