On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the death of French chemist, philosopher, historian, and statesman Marcelin Berthelot (1827–1907), this article describes his life and career. In particular, his work on organic chemistry and syntheses, thermochemistry, physical chemistry, and agricultural chemistry are considered. His claims for priority and neglect of the work of his contemporaries made him controversial and detracted from his international renown, which he took great pains to foster. The unusual circumstances of his death on the same day as that of his wife are discussed.
Adloff et al. (Fri,) studied this question.