Butterfly & Moth Painting (1842)

François Louis Paul Gervais (1816-1879) was a French paleontologist and entomologist who made significant contributions to these fields during the 19th century. Born in Paris, Gervais studied under Henri de Blainville and later succeeded him as professor of comparative anatomy at the Muséum National d’Histoire Paris. He also held the position of professor of zoology and comparative anatomy at Montpellier. Gervais is known for his principal works "Zoologie et paléontologie françaises" and "Zoologie et paléontologie générales," which reflect his extensive research and expertise in the fields of paleontology and entomology. Despite his death in 1879, Gervais's contributions to these scientific disciplines continue to be recognized and appreciated.