1720-1793

Swiss Naturalist and Philosopher

Charles Bonnet, the eminent Swiss naturalist, is primarily remembered for his discovery of parthenogenesis, which is a form of reproduction without fertilization. His theories on embryological development and catastrophic evolution were also of great interest to eighteenth-century naturalists and philosophers.

Bonnet's wealthy family had immigrated to Switzerland to escape the persecution of Huguenots in their native France. Although Bonnet originally studied law and was elected to Geneva's town council, he was more interested in the natural sciences. Because of his family fortune, he was able to devote himself to the pursuit of his scientific and philosophical interests. Following the example of his teacher Réné Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur (1683-1757), Bonnet became interested in the life cycles of insects. This interest led to many significant contributions regarding insect metamorphosis and the publication of his Treatise on Entomology (1745). In addition to...