Agriculturist, editor.

Ordained to the priesthood. Devoted himself to secular pursuits. Administered a large country estate. Explored new agricultural methods. Wrote a prize-winning essay on the chemistry of wine-making. Studied veterinary medicine. Taught at the Académie royale de Lyon.

Moved to Paris and began to edit a monthly periodical, Observations sur la physique, sur l’histoire naturelle et sur les arts …, (1771), which changed its format and became Observations et mémoires sur la physique, sur l’histoire naturelle et sur les arts et métiers (1772). Continued to edit the periodical until his death.

Born in Lyon.