He was among the first to study the mineralogy and geology of the Limousin region of France. His interest in geology began by way of investigations of kaolin deposits, the key raw material in the manufacture of porcelain. He was founder-president of the "Société archéologique et historique du Limousin" (1845), and in 1860, was appointed president of the "Société d'agriculture, des sciences et des arts de la Haute-Vienne". He also had an interest in politics, being involved in the July Revolution of 1830 and subsequently serving as mayor of Limoges and as prefect of Haute-Vienne.