Jean Antoine Chaptal

Jean Antoine Chaptal , 1756-1832, French chemist, industrialist, and statesman. He became (1781) professor of chemistry at Montpellier, and during the Revolution he was active in gunpowder production. Later, as minister of the interior (1801-9) and director-general of commerce and manufactures (1815) under Napoleon I, he introduced far-reaching reforms in medicine, industry, and public works. Chaptal's writings pioneered in the application of chemical principles to industrial processes.

Forqueray, Antoine (b Paris, c.1672; d Mantes, 1745). Fr. player of viola da gamba, and composer. At age 5, played to Louis XIV, and entered king's service as chamber musician 1689. Retired to Mantes 1728. One of greatest viol virtuosi of his day, rival to Marais. Comp. c.30 viol pieces, pubd. in 5 suites. His son, Jean-Baptiste Antoine (b Paris, 1699; d Paris, 1782) was also a viol player of some renown, in service of king and Prince de Conti.