BUFFON, Georges-Louis Leclerc, Count of. Great French naturalist, b. at Montbard (Burgundy) on 7 Sept. 1707, d. in Paris on 16 Apr. 1788.
He began his preparation in mathematics, but, having inherited a vast patrimony, devoted himself to problems of forests, mineralogy and metallurgy. With these studies, at the age of 26 he entered the Academy of Sciences. In 1739 he was appointed superintendent of the Jardin de Plantes in Paris and held that position until his death. He expanded this Institute in all branches of Natural History and made it into a scientific organization that is still today a glory of France.
His publications are famous: in 1749 he began the publication of the *Histoire Naturelle générale et particulière*, in 1749 he undertook the work *Histoire de la Terre* and then published *Histoire des animaux* and *Histoire de l’homme*. Other books are: *Époque de la nature* (1778), *Histoire des quadrupèdes* (1750–76), *Histoire des oiseaux*, *Histoire des minéraux* (1783–88).
From his works there emerges his unitary conception of nature. According to B., all organisms are formed, like crystals, from innumerable invariable organic molecules. He believed that species could evolve and change under the influence of the environment, geographical distribution and the struggle for existence. An independent spirit, neither philosopher nor anti-philosopher, but merely a learned scholar, he did not attack religion; indeed, he was full of admiration for the Creator of so many beings, but especially of man, “creature of predilection.”