French scientist and naval officer.

Entered the navy (1734) and rose steadily through the ranks. Studied astronomy and navigation; described the use of an octant (1751) and determined the precise location of many geographical features, including Cape Verde and the Azores (1754). Governor of St. Domingue and the Leeward Islands (1761-62). Member of the Académie des sciences (1765) and the Académie de la marine (1769).