French physiocrat, politician, businessman.

Studied political economy with Quesnay. Author of Physiocratie, ou constitution naturelle du gouvernement le plus avantageux au genre humain and editor of the periodical Ephémérides du citoyen (1769). Inspecteur général du commerce (1774-76). Collaborated on the Treaty of Versailles. Played an active role in the conclusion of the Treaty of Commerce with England (1786).

Emigrated to the United States (1799). Founded the firm of Du Pont de Nemours, Père et Fils et Cie. Charged by Thomas Jefferson with the secret mission of preparing the Louisiana Purchase. Secretary (1803). Vice- president of the Chamber of Commerce of Paris (1807).

Born in Paris. Father of Eleuthère-Irénée.