CIIAI'TAL, JF.AN ANTOINE, a distinguished French chemist, was born in 1756, at Noraret (Lathe). His education commenced at Mende, whence be repaired to the School of Medicine at Mont pelier, and afterwards to Paris. In 17S1 he was appointed to the chemical chair recently founded by the States of Languedoc. Inhe riting a large fortune from his uncle, be established some important chemical manufactories in has adopted city, and thus bestowed upon France /several valuable products which were previously obtained from foreigner.. In 1793 Chaptal was called to the capital by the Com mittee of Publics Safety, to manage the manufactory of saltpetre, which substance could no longer be obtained from India, and the want of which was prearIng. The great establishment of Grenellethuabecame the scene of that teal and ability of which Chaptal gave so many proofs during the whole of his existence. He was one of the first professors of the Polytechnic School; and the Institute elected him a member In the place left vacant by the death of Payen. After the establiehmeot of the consulate, Napoleon called him to the Council of State ; and in the year 9 (1801) appointed him Minister of the Interior. Towards the end of the year 12 Chaptal retired from these high appointment.. During his administration of four years he conferred many benefit. upon the etate. Devoting much time to the examine tier of charitable establishments, which had suffered from the miefortunes of the times, he liquidated their debts]; and originated several new institutions for the amelioration of the condition of the poor. As might however be expected from his habits, it was to tho manufacturing interest. of his country that his attention was prin. cipally directed ; he established chambers of commerce, and consulting council. of arts and manufactures; the School of Arta and the Conservatory, which hare become an important seminary and a great museum, are monument, of hi. enlightened solicitude for increasing the opportunities and means of instruction. lie published useful proomeee, visited the manufactories, cons-crud with the workmen, offered them his advice, applauded their discoveries, and encouraged the Importation of processes and apparatus from abroad ; in fact, ho extended hie views and his care to every substance and circumstance which ha considered favourable to the Improvement of manufactories.
" Some disappointment. which he could not foresee, and certainly did not merit, obscured the close of Chapter' brilliant career; but he supported them with dignity, without murmuring, and without breathing a complaint. Ha consoled himiself among him friends, by shady, and by fulfilling duties which had been imposed upon him, or which he had created for himself. Too well Informed not to under stand the nsture of his disease, and feeling his end approaching, he resigned Mused( like a philosopher, sod making the requisite arrange meats for leaving a world where he had but few day. to remain, ha died beloved and surrounded by his numerous family, bestowing on them Isis Musing as his last farewell." (Thenard.) lie died at Paris, 29th July 1132, in the 76th year of his age. lie was a senator under the Empire, and at the time of his death he was Peer of France and a Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour. no was one of the first founders of the Society of Encouragement, over which he presided many years.
Chaptare principal works are ' Elemens de Chimle; 3 vole. 8vo. The first edition appeared In 1790, and the fourth In 1803. It has been translated Into moat languages. ' Easel our le Perfeetionnoment des ATLI Chlmiques en France, ETO, 1500;' Art de Falre, de Gouvereer, et de Perfectiouner lea Vine,' 1 yob No (first edition 1501, second, /819); 'Tralt4 thderique et pmtlque cur la Culture 41a Is Vigno; 2 vols. 8vo (first edition, 1801; second In 1811); 'Art du Toiuturicr et du Degraiseenr; Ivo, 1800; ' Easel sus he Illanchlment; Ivo, 1801; ' Chisnle appliques aux Arta,' 4 vols. Ivo, 1807 ; ' Art de le Tcinture chi Coton en Rouge,' 8vo, 1607; 'De l'Induetrie Francalso; 2 vole. Ivo, 1819; Memoirs am 1. Sucre de Bettcntree; 8ro (first edition, 1815; second edition, 1821); ' Cblmie applique° It l'Agriculture; 2 vol.. 8vo (Govt edition, 1523; second edition, 1829).