Pierre Bayen (7 February 1725–14 February 1798) was a French chemist (apothecary). He analyzed mineral water drunk in France (then a kingdom), and wrongly suggested that using pewter glasses rendered the water toxic.
After his studies he began a career in the military that spanned more than forty years.
During the Seven Years' War he met and befriended Parmentier who was his subordinate.
- Bayen was a member of the College de Pharmacie from around 1766.
- Bayen became a member of the French Academy of Sciences in 1785 and the Institut de France in 1795. He burned all his papers during the Reign of Terror of 1793-1794.
- Bayen became the Inspector General of the Health Services in 1796.
Legacy
- Bayen is credited as the father of Military Pharmacy.
- There is a road in Paris and in Chalons named after him.
- The Lycée Pierre Bayen in Chalons was named in his memory.
References