Jean Bouguer

Jean Bouguer was a French hydrographer and mathematician from Brittany. A former maritime pilot who had lost a leg at Bantry in the 1689 French invasion of Ireland, causing him to leave active maritime service. Bouguer was appointed royal professor of hydrography in charge of the new École d'hydrographie at Le Croisic in June 1691. He was author of a highly regarded treatise on navigation and piloting. He would also teach students privately in a one-room school at his home, where he kept many astronomical and navigational instruments. He was well-versed in astronomy, mathematics, and hydrography, and held the certificate of Maîtrise d'hydrographe.