Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon

Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (1707-1788), was a French naturalist and philosopher known for his influential work in natural history. His most significant contribution is "Histoire Naturelle," a comprehensive encyclopedia that discusses various species, the Earth’s development, and the concept of evolution, predating Darwin. Buffon argued that life forms change over time due to environmental influences, suggesting a shared ancestry among species. He emphasized observation and empirical evidence, laying groundwork for modern biology and ecology. His ideas challenged traditional views of creation and encouraged scientific inquiry into the natural world.