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Antoine-Augustin Parmentier
(French Pharmacist and Agronomist)
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Birthdate: August 12, 1737
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Montdidier, France
Died: December 17, 1813
Antoine-Augustin Parmentier was a French pharmacist and agronomist recognized for his efforts in popularizing the potato as a staple food in France and Europe. He emphasized the nutritional advantages of this versatile crop and spearheaded the initial compulsory smallpox vaccination program during Napoleon's era. Furthermore, he was a trailblazer in extracting sugar from sugar beets, establishing a breadmaking school, and investigating methods of food preservation such as refrigeration. Parmentier's lasting impact in the fields of nutrition, health, and agriculture is evident through his significant contributions.