Louis Antoine de Bougainville (1729-1811) French soldier, navigator and mathematician. Elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1756 while secretary to the French Embassy in London. Served with distinction as aide-de-camp to Montcalm in Nrth Amerca during the Seven Years War (1756-1763). Joined the French navy in 1763 and in 1764 colonised the Falkland Islands (Iles Malouines). In 1766-1769, accompanied by naturalists and other scientists, he led the first French circumnavigation of the globe. After the beginning of the French Revolution be devolted himself to science. The climber Bougainvillea is named for him, as is the largest of the Solomon Islands.