Michel Eugène Chevreul

French chemist who elucidated the chemical composition of animal fats and whose theories of colour influenced the techniques of French painting. He lived to 102 and was a pioneer in the field of gerontology.

Between 1807 and 1811 Chevreul isolated several coloured substances from woods, three of which (brazilin, hematoxylin, and quercetin) became commercial dye ingredients. His discoveries of animal substances included creatine and cholesterol.

His organic analysis placed the methods of extraction, isolation, and purification on a sound basis. For his achievements, he was elected to the French Academy of Sciences in 1826.

Chevreul’s research led to improvements and greater uniformity of product in the soap industry and to a new kind of candle.

The fruit of his colour studies was De la loi du contraste simultané des couleurs (1839; The Laws of Contrast of Colour), his most influential book.

A gold medal was minted for the occasion of Chevreul's 100th birthday in 1886, and it was celebrated as a national event. He died at the age of 102 on 9 April 1889, Paris.