Orbigny, Alcide d’ (1802-1857)

Alcide d’Orbigny was a French palaeontologist. Son of the doctor and naturalist Charles d’Orbigny, he began studying natural history under his guidance. His professors at the National Museum of Natural History identified his skills and in 1825 chose him to head an expedition that, between 1826 and 1833, would lead him to explore a large part of South America. Despite the success of his mission, he did not obtain the chair of palaeontology until 1853, created for him at the Museum. In addition to the publication in nine volumes of the results of his trip, he is responsible for important works relating to palaeontology, including Paléontologie française, published posthumously.

Keywords: Physical anthropology | Palaeontology | Scientific Expeditions | 19^th century | South America | Precolombian Archaeology | Collections