Jean Louis Lassaigne

Jean Louis Lassaigne (September 22 1800 – March 18 1859) was a French chemist. He is best known for the sodium fusion test named after him.

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Early life

Lassaigne was born in Paris; worked initially in the laboratory of Nicolas Vauquelin,in 1828 was named professor of chemistry and physics at the École Royale Vétérinaire d’Alfort (Royal School of Veterinary) in Maisons-Alfort; he preserved this role until 1854.

Contributions and major works

In 1825 partnered with François Leuret he published "Recherches physiques et chimiques pour servir à l’historie de la digestion" (Physical and chemical research for understanding digestion), four years later Lassaigne wrote an investigation about chemistry as part of medical sciences "Abrégé élémentaire de chimie considérée comme science accessoire à l'étude de la médecine, de la pharmacie et de l'histoire naturelle" (Elementary summary of chemistry considered as additional science,studied by medicine, pharmacy and natural history), at the same time he was admitted as member to prestigious "Société de Chimie Médicale" (Medical Chemistry Society) in Paris.

He became an expert chemist, where he did research related to pure chemistry, inorganic chemistry, industrial chemistry, animal chemistry, forensic chemistry, which led to many discoveries. His major works were studies about phosphoric ether, pyrocitric acid, pyro acids of the malic acid, chromium salts, compounds of iodine. Lassaigne also did research of processes for the carbonization of the organic matter.

Lassaigne discovered new alkaloids and made major investigations related to toxicology of phosphorus and hydrocyanic acid. He also discovered new dyes, in 1831 won an award by "Société d'Encouragement de l'Industrie" (Society for Encouragement of Industry) for his work on the process of enamel elaboration for pottery.

Final days

He died in Paris, France in 1859.

References

• Dictionnaire biographique. Biographie Lassaigne,chimie. Retrieved on July 22, 2005. (in French)
• Jean Louis Lassaigne. Jean Louis Lassaigne (1800-1859). Retrieved on July 22, 2005. (in Spanish)