Scimyst
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • All
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
    • Mars Exploration
    • Military Science
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
    thanh pho trang 650

    The Lost City of 500 Years Containing Flesh-Eating Parasites

    creating the worlds first plasma lamp not using a wire just throw it away 133669

    Creating the world’s most durable plasma lamp that doesn’t “take a break” after a few days of use

    which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world every year 136695

    Which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world, “experiencing” the most super typhoons each year?

    strange spc exoplanet

    10 Most Strange Things of the Universe

    thuan tay trai 650

    Left-Handed People and 16 “Shocking” Facts

    cham do ben khoe mieng 650

    The Secret of the Two Red Dots at the Corner of the Mouth of the Tang Dynasty Concubine

    tinh van con cua 650

    Revealing Unseen Images of the Crab Nebula through the James Webb Space Telescope

    cau hon o phap 650

    Banning Bathing, Forcing Tears, and Strange Wedding Customs Around the World

    isaac Newton1

    10 Famous Inventions of Isaac Newton

  • Events
    • All
    • Science Stories
    • Scientific Projects

    Tonight announces the Ig Nobel Prize winners

    frog

    Frog Wins Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    canhcutIg

    Life is Not Lacking in Quirks

    Nobel Prize in Medicine 2005: A Modern Fairy Tale

    10 Weird Inventions Awarded the Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    nobelKT

    Why Did They Win the Nobel Prize in Economics?

    giaydientu

    “Electronic Paper” Set to Appear on the Market

    Development of Science and Technology in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands Provinces

    a russian scientist loves vietnam 1659

    A Russian Scientist Who Loves Vietnam

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Environment
    • Medicine & Health
    tdnong

    Global warming may be the cause of major storms

    traxanh1

    Green tea has effects against dementia

    Discovery of Cancer-Preventing Genes in the Human Body

    Khachdulich Indonesia

    Avian influenza harms tourism more than terrorism

    nao

    Lying – A Disease of People with Brain Defects

    cafe

    Coffee May Prevent Cancer

    tebaocum

    Recreating the ‘Death’ Flu Virus of 1918

    Indo ban

    The whole world unites to fight avian influenza

    HIV aids

    The Mystery of AIDS Epidemic

  • Technology
    • All
    • AI - Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Science
    • New Technology
    • Scientific Inventions
    top apps explore space solar system on pc 98000

    Top Applications for Exploring the Universe and Solar System on PC

    vai dien tu 650

    Soon there will be data-transmitting clothing

    sua loi khong vao dc coc coc 650

    Why can’t Cốc Cốc download videos to the computer?

    may tinh cu 1

    17 Things You Can Do with an Old Computer

    play free games super fun on android devices 54708

    Play Extremely Fun Free Games on Android Devices

    top 10 best weather apps on android 98127

    Top 10 Best Astronomy Apps on Android

    canh tay robot 650

    Robot system helps neutralize mines

    trang trai noi o rotterdam 650

    Modern Cities Combining Gardens and Cattle Farms

    city tree 650

    “High-tech” trees can purify polluted air

  • Cultural Heritage
    ai cap 650

    The Ruins of Memphis & the Pyramid Complex from Giza to Dahshur – Egypt

    khao co 650

    Prehistoric Archaeological Sites in the Dordogne Valley and Caves in the Vézère Valley – France

    baroque churches philippines 67188

    Baroque Churches – Philippines

    mont saint michel france 67265

    Mont Saint Michel Island – France

    acropolis bracelet in athens greece 67621

    Acropolis Fortress in Athens – Greece

    language mo tan thuy hoang china 67087

    Tomb of Qin Shi Huang – China

    historical city ayutthaya 67804

    Historical City of Ayutthaya

    historical city ayutthaya 67804 2

    Historic City of Ayutthaya

    mesa verde national park 67201

    Mesa Verde National Park – United States of America

  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Photo Library
    • Videos

    Honesty

    Telephone

    Advanced Technology

    Terminal Illness

    Allergy

    Love Like Mars

    Super Definition

    Coi Sách

    Selling Candy

No Result
View All Result
Scimyst
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • All
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
    • Mars Exploration
    • Military Science
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
    thanh pho trang 650

    The Lost City of 500 Years Containing Flesh-Eating Parasites

    creating the worlds first plasma lamp not using a wire just throw it away 133669

    Creating the world’s most durable plasma lamp that doesn’t “take a break” after a few days of use

    which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world every year 136695

    Which country suffers the most natural disasters in the world, “experiencing” the most super typhoons each year?

    strange spc exoplanet

    10 Most Strange Things of the Universe

    thuan tay trai 650

    Left-Handed People and 16 “Shocking” Facts

    cham do ben khoe mieng 650

    The Secret of the Two Red Dots at the Corner of the Mouth of the Tang Dynasty Concubine

    tinh van con cua 650

    Revealing Unseen Images of the Crab Nebula through the James Webb Space Telescope

    cau hon o phap 650

    Banning Bathing, Forcing Tears, and Strange Wedding Customs Around the World

    isaac Newton1

    10 Famous Inventions of Isaac Newton

  • Events
    • All
    • Science Stories
    • Scientific Projects

    Tonight announces the Ig Nobel Prize winners

    frog

    Frog Wins Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    canhcutIg

    Life is Not Lacking in Quirks

    Nobel Prize in Medicine 2005: A Modern Fairy Tale

    10 Weird Inventions Awarded the Ig Nobel Prize 2005

    nobelKT

    Why Did They Win the Nobel Prize in Economics?

    giaydientu

    “Electronic Paper” Set to Appear on the Market

    Development of Science and Technology in the South Central Coast and Central Highlands Provinces

    a russian scientist loves vietnam 1659

    A Russian Scientist Who Loves Vietnam

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Environment
    • Medicine & Health
    tdnong

    Global warming may be the cause of major storms

    traxanh1

    Green tea has effects against dementia

    Discovery of Cancer-Preventing Genes in the Human Body

    Khachdulich Indonesia

    Avian influenza harms tourism more than terrorism

    nao

    Lying – A Disease of People with Brain Defects

    cafe

    Coffee May Prevent Cancer

    tebaocum

    Recreating the ‘Death’ Flu Virus of 1918

    Indo ban

    The whole world unites to fight avian influenza

    HIV aids

    The Mystery of AIDS Epidemic

  • Technology
    • All
    • AI - Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Science
    • New Technology
    • Scientific Inventions
    top apps explore space solar system on pc 98000

    Top Applications for Exploring the Universe and Solar System on PC

    vai dien tu 650

    Soon there will be data-transmitting clothing

    sua loi khong vao dc coc coc 650

    Why can’t Cốc Cốc download videos to the computer?

    may tinh cu 1

    17 Things You Can Do with an Old Computer

    play free games super fun on android devices 54708

    Play Extremely Fun Free Games on Android Devices

    top 10 best weather apps on android 98127

    Top 10 Best Astronomy Apps on Android

    canh tay robot 650

    Robot system helps neutralize mines

    trang trai noi o rotterdam 650

    Modern Cities Combining Gardens and Cattle Farms

    city tree 650

    “High-tech” trees can purify polluted air

  • Cultural Heritage
    ai cap 650

    The Ruins of Memphis & the Pyramid Complex from Giza to Dahshur – Egypt

    khao co 650

    Prehistoric Archaeological Sites in the Dordogne Valley and Caves in the Vézère Valley – France

    baroque churches philippines 67188

    Baroque Churches – Philippines

    mont saint michel france 67265

    Mont Saint Michel Island – France

    acropolis bracelet in athens greece 67621

    Acropolis Fortress in Athens – Greece

    language mo tan thuy hoang china 67087

    Tomb of Qin Shi Huang – China

    historical city ayutthaya 67804

    Historical City of Ayutthaya

    historical city ayutthaya 67804 2

    Historic City of Ayutthaya

    mesa verde national park 67201

    Mesa Verde National Park – United States of America

  • Entertainment
    • All
    • Photo Library
    • Videos

    Honesty

    Telephone

    Advanced Technology

    Terminal Illness

    Allergy

    Love Like Mars

    Super Definition

    Coi Sách

    Selling Candy

No Result
View All Result
Scimyst
No Result
View All Result
Home Discoveries Scientific Discoveries

Scientific Achievements from Napoleon’s Invasion of Egypt

by Sci
February 5, 2024
in Scientific Discoveries
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

At the end of the 18th century, over 150 scientists accompanied Napoleon to Egypt for research and exploration, leading to numerous new discoveries and insights.

When he invaded Egypt in July 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte brought along not only thousands of soldiers but also recruited more than 150 scientists. Their mission was to study and exploit the region. On August 23, 1798, the scientific society named the Institut d’Égypte held its first meeting in Cairo, with Napoleon serving as the first vice president. However, after several setbacks in Egypt, Napoleon returned to France in 1799, leaving many scientists stranded.

Illustration of Napoleon standing before the Sphinx.
Illustration of Napoleon standing before the Sphinx. (Photo: Jean-Léon Gérôme)

Despite the challenges, engineers, mathematicians, naturalists, and other experts dedicated nearly three years to surveying, documenting, and collecting everything from artifacts to mummies and species unknown to the West. Their work led to several new discoveries, helping to formalize disciplines like archaeology and fuel a passion for Egyptology.

Discovery of Reversible Chemical Reactions

Previously, the concept of reversible chemical reactions was not widely accepted. However, chemist Claude-Louis Berthollet found compelling evidence for this viewpoint while studying salts in the lakes of the Natron Valley.

The limestone in the lakes was covered by natron, a natural salt that the Egyptians used for mummification due to its ability to absorb moisture and dissolve fats. Berthollet discovered that limestone containing calcium carbonate reacted chemically with salt, or sodium chloride, to create natron. While earlier chemists had known that the reverse reaction could occur under laboratory conditions, Berthollet provided substantial evidence for it.

Contributing to the Formalization of Archaeology

During Napoleon’s time, archaeology was not yet an official science. Most scientists lacked experience with artifacts, and many sites remained buried under sand, waiting to be excavated.

Artist and writer Dominique-Vivant Denon was amazed by the ancient relics he encountered. He returned to France with Napoleon and quickly published a book featuring descriptions and illustrations titled Travels in Upper and Lower Egypt. His drawings and descriptions of temples and ruins in Thebes, Esna, Edfu, and Karnak became famous and highly regarded.

A New Method for Classifying Insects

Upon returning to France, botanist Jules-César Savigny needed to organize the 1,500 insect species he had collected. At that time, there was no systematic method to distinguish one species of butterfly from another. Thus, Savigny devised a new method.

He observed that the mouthparts of these insects were sufficiently distinct to categorize them into different species. He carefully studied the tiny jaws of the insects and illustrated over 1,000 specimens, some only a centimeter long. Savigny applied similar precision to spiders, worms, and other invertebrates. Some of his classification methods are still in use today.

Intricate illustrations of Savigny's arachnids in the book Description de l'Egypte.
Intricate illustrations of Savigny’s arachnids in the book Description de l’Egypte. (Photo: De Agostini Editorial)

Discovery of a New Crocodile Species

Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire believed there were two species of crocodiles in the Nile River. He was also an excellent collector, like Savigny. While in Egypt, he studied bats, geese, turtles, and many other creatures. Geoffroy’s hypotheses often annoyed other naturalists, including his claim that a mummified crocodile he collected from Egypt belonged to a separate species.

Geoffroy stated that its jaw was completely different from that of the Nile crocodile and noted that it was also less aggressive. His colleagues doubted his assertion of a distinct crocodile species. However, over 200 years later, biologist Evon Hekkala and her research team analyzed the DNA of modern crocodiles and several mummified specimens from Geoffroy, confirming the existence of two separate species swimming in the Nile: Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) and desert crocodiles (Crocodylus suchus).

The Birth of Ophthalmology

French doctors accompanying Napoleon encountered strange diseases in Egypt. One ailment they brought back to Europe was “Egyptian eye disease,” now known as trachoma, which can cause itching, swelling, and lead to blindness. The disease became so widespread that physicians across Europe began studying it.

At that time, ophthalmology was not yet an official branch of study, but the race to discover the origins of trachoma laid the groundwork for its establishment. Eventually, English physician John Vetch realized that pus from inflamed eyes could spread the disease. Upon recognizing the infectious nature of the ailment, Vetch developed preventive measures and treatments that are considered a significant milestone in the history of ophthalmology.

The Rosetta Stone Helps Decipher Hieroglyphs

For centuries, no one could read the hieroglyphs found on the monuments of Egypt. When the Rosetta Stone was discovered during the invasion, the French recognized it could be used as a key for translation.

The stone features three inscriptions in Egyptian hieroglyphs, Demotic script derived from hieroglyphs, and ancient Greek. The three texts were identical, so the Greek portion could assist researchers in deciphering the hieroglyphs. French scholar Jean-Francois Champollion managed to translate them over two decades.

The Birth of Egyptology

Many wealthy individuals in the 18th century collected artifacts as a hobby without truly understanding their function or significance. Napoleon’s scientists explored Egypt with a more scientific perspective.

During that time, many Europeans had heard of the pyramids or the Sphinx, but the ancient temples and monuments of Upper Egypt were still largely unknown. Dominique-Vivant Denon, an artist and writer, traveled alongside Napoleon’s soldiers along the Nile. He recounted a journey around a bend in the river and suddenly witnessing the ancient temples of Karnak and Luxor rising from the ruins of Thebes. “The entire army, suddenly and in unison, was astonished and applauded in excitement,” he wrote.

Drawing of the Edfu temple by Dominique-Vivant Denon.
Drawing of the Edfu temple by Dominique-Vivant Denon. (Photo: Art Media/Print Collector)

Denon returned to France with Napoleon and quickly published the book Travels in Upper and Lower Egypt with descriptions and illustrations. He also recommended sending more scientists to the Nile to document the monuments in greater detail. Napoleon agreed, and two new research teams arrived in Egypt to carry out archaeological missions in September 1799.

The team of architects and young engineers sketched and measured numerous ancient architectural structures. All of these surveys were published in La Description de l’Egypte, an extensive multi-volume work that included maps, hundreds of engravings, and many descriptions of what they learned about Egypt. The series divided Egypt into ancient and modern periods while providing a modern view of ancient Egypt as known to contemporary scholars.

La Description de l’Egypte became extremely famous. The architecture, symbols, and imagery of ancient Egypt even became a fashionable highlight in European art and architecture.

Thanks to the explorations of Napoleon’s scientific team, European fascination with ancient Egypt grew, leading to the establishment of archaeological museums on the continent, starting with the Louvre opening the first Egyptian museum in 1827.

Ultimately, this passion led to the emergence of Egyptology, a field that significantly influences modern archaeology. “Napoleon’s scholars and engineers are most remembered as those who helped make archaeology a scientific discipline,” author Nina Burleigh writes in her book Mirage.

Invention of the Engraving Machine to Accelerate Printing

Upon returning to France, many scientists participated in compiling the multi-volume work Description de l’Égypte, which spanned 7,000 pages of their observations and research in Egypt. To expedite the labor-intensive engraving process, engineer Nicolas-Jacques Conté developed a machine that partially automated the process.

To print hundreds of illustrations, engravers first had to transfer them to copper plates. With the plates containing images of monuments, Conté’s machine could engrave the sky in the background. The engravers could also set the machine to create clouds. What used to take 6 to 8 months could now be completed in just a few days.

However, the work remained quite labor-intensive and was considered the most ambitious project in France in the early 19th century. The first volume was printed in 1809, and the final volume was released in the late 1820s, nearly a decade after Napoleon’s death.

  • Why did NASA take 3 months just to open two locks on the container holding rocks and soil collected from a location 6.2 billion kilometers away from Earth?
  • Why are donkeys raised in many parts of the United States to protect livestock instead of using sheepdogs?
  • “The Cross-Time Assassin” 13 billion years old that killed an entire galaxy
Tags: archaeologyclassification method of reptilesNapoleon BonaparteNapoleon's invasion of Egyptnew species of crocodile
Next Post
the hidden sound in the reproductive season of the black carp 132564

The Mysterious Noise During the Breeding Season of Black Drum Fish

hundreds of flies fall in australia 132565

Hundreds of paralyzed parrots fall in Australia

house of happiness russian sets world record for time in space 132567

Russian astronaut sets world record for time in space

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

FEATURED POST

the mystery of the mummified woman misidentified as an egyptian pharaoh 129359

The Mystery of the Mummy of the Woman Mistaken for the Pharaoh of Egypt

space monsters in mythology first appearance 129358

Cosmic Monster ‘in Legend’ Appears for the First Time

the most dangerous coastline in the world haunting the dreams of mangrove forests 108247

The world’s most dangerous strait – The haunting toll measured in sailors’ lives

10 amazing natural phenomena that challenge science 60818

23 Mysterious Natural Phenomena That Challenge Science

TRENDING

the truth about the images stored in the eyes of the dead 130162
Scientific Discoveries

The Truth About the Images Stored in the Eyes of the Dead

the shirt that helps users hide security camera 126214
Lifestyle

The shirt that helps users hide from security cameras

ways to check womens menstrual cycle in ancient china 94408
Scientific Discoveries

Methods of Testing Women’s Virginity in Ancient Times

type of soil to improve crop yield 138 but needs very little water 135781
Biology

Soil Type Increases Crop Yield by 138% with Minimal Watering

EDITOR PICK'S

No Tunnels, No Supports: China Stuns the World with a Bridge that Floats like Silk on the River

What Race Are the Egyptians Ultimately? Why Are They Different from Today’s Africans?

The shirt that helps users hide from security cameras

Will 2026-2027 Be the Most Beautiful Year for the Northern Aurora?

Oclantis: The Underwater City Built by Octopuses

17 Causes of Throat Tightness and Belching

Records of the “Real” Dragons in History

Newsletter

THE MOST IMPORTANT WORLD NEWS AND EVENTS OF THE DAY

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

Category

  • 1001 Mysteries
  • AI – Artificial Intelligence
  • Aliens & UFOs
  • Animal World
  • Antibiotic Resistance
  • Archaeology
  • Bacteria & Insects
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Climate & Weather

Site Link

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

About Us

At Scimyst, we uncover the wonders of science, history, and culture. From ancient mysteries to modern innovations, our stories inspire curiosity and connect you to the fascinating world around us. Explore the unknown with us!

  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2025 Scimyst - Your gateway to the wonders of science and culture

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Discoveries
    • 1001 Mysteries
    • Aliens & UFOs
    • Animal World
    • Archaeology
    • Biology
      • Bacteria & Insects
      • Biotechnology
      • Plants
    • Doomsday
    • Famous Landmarks
    • History
      • This Day in History
    • Military Science
    • Mars Exploration
    • Oceanography
    • Science Q&A
    • Science Quiz
    • Scientific Discoveries
    • Space Science
    • Why
    • World Figures
    • World Wonders
      • Cultural Heritage
      • Vietnamese Heritage
  • Technology
    • AI – Artificial Intelligence
    • Computer Science
    • New Technology
      • Self-Driving Cars
    • Scientific Inventions
  • Lifestyle
    • Cancer
    • Environment
      • Climate & Weather
      • Disasters
      • Latest Storm Updates
      • Nature
      • Solutions
    • Medicine & Health
      • Antibiotic Resistance
      • Common Illnesses
      • Dengue Fever
      • Family Medicine Cabinet
      • Food Safety
      • Health
      • Influenza Outbreak
    • Scientific Applications
  • Events
    • Science Events
    • Science Stories
    • Scientific Projects
  • Entertainment
    • Photo Library
    • Videos

© 2025 Scimyst - Your gateway to the wonders of science and culture