Joseph Nicephore-Niepce (1765-1833)
Joseph Nicéphore-Niépce was a French inventor born March 7th, 1765. After careers teaching and serving in the military, he developed an interest in science. He was known for inventing the first device that could capture and reproduce images using light. The invention was not at first, a big success. He was rejected after presenting the device to the Royal Society in England, although it became an innovation and success after his death on July 5th, 1833. Niépce was born in Chalon-sur-Saône, where his father was a wealthy lawyer. His older brother Claude, born 1763, was his collaborator in research and invention, but died in 1828. During his military career, Niépce served as a staff officer in the French Army under Napoleon’s reign. In 1795, Niépce resigned to help with scientific research with his brother. In 1833, he died of a stroke after being financially ruined as well.