Marie Jean Flourens made several major discoveries in nervous system physiology, cerebral localization, and brain function. Always known as Pierre, he was born into an undistinguished family in Maureilhan, France. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Montpellier in 1813, Flourens moved to Paris for further study. The protégé first of botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle (1779-1841) in Montpellier then of paleontologist Georges Cuvier (1769-1832) in Paris, Flourens soon decided to be a physiologist rather than a physician. Upon Cuvier's death, Flourens succeeded him as professor of anatomy at the Collège de France and in 1833, as secretary of the Académie des Sciences. In 1840, Flourens defeated poet and novelist Victor Hugo (1802-1885) for a place in the Académie Française. He died in Montgeron, France, widely honored.

Flourens advanced the work of Julien Jean César Legallois...