“He derived a ... theory of crystal structure” (1) based on repeated experiments, which he began after accidentally dropping a calcite sample and seeing the fragmentation of the crystal. He “subsequently applied his theory to the classification of minerals.” (1) Haüy built a coherent structural theory of advances made by other scientists based on the idea that crystals are built up by stacking together a basic structural unit. He found that the external form of a crystal does not determine its composition. He also established the law of symmetry and that “the forms of crystal are perfectly definite and based on fixed laws.” (4)
Haüy also studied theology, and by 1770 he was ordained a priest. He was nearly executed during the French Revolution for refusing to swear an oath of allegiance to the new regime, and was imprisoned for it at the Seminaire de Saint-Firmin. (3, 4) Even so, Napoleon knew him well enough that he was willing to ask Haüy to write the book that became Traité de physique.
He published six major works from 1784 to 1817. These included the Traité de physique, published in 1803 at Napoleon’s request and Tableau compartif, a mineralogical classification published in 1809. It also includes the Essai, published in 1784.
Through his work he has earned the title Father of Modern Crystallography.
Works Referenced
(1) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rene-Just-Hauy
(1a) https://www.britannica.com/science/pyroelectricity
(1b) https://www.britannica.com/science/piezoelectricity
(2) http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803095924649
(3) http://www.scs.illinois.edu/xray_exhibit/books/hauy.php
(4) http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07152a.htm
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