Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon published works in all fields of natural history, as well as in mathematics and astronomy. His seminal work, Histoire Naturelle (Natural History), was based upon an extensive cataloging project of the French--royal collections in natural history. Far more than a mere museum catalog, Buffon's book was an attempt to provide a scientific account for nature as a whole while at the same time presenting a comprehensive overview of anthropology, geology, and natural history. Buffon is considered by many historians of science to be one of the founders of the academic discipline of natural history.

Buffon was born in Montbard, France and received the title of count through an estate (Buffon) left to him by his mother. His earliest studies were in law and medicine, but Buffon was more interested in the sciences. Although reputedly an average student in other subjects, Buffon excelled in mathematics...