Admirable Discourses

Admirable Discourses is a collection of writings by Bernard Palissy, a 16th-century French potter and writer. Published in 1580, these discourses reveal Palissy as a scientist and writer, considered a pioneer of modern agronomy and the experimental method. His scientific views were notably advanced for his time.1

Palissy was also known for his distinctive pottery, often called "Palissy ware," which featured colored glazes over raised designs of figures like fish and leaves. He was a Huguenot, facing persecution for his Protestant faith, which led to periods of imprisonment. Despite these challenges, Palissy continued his work, even giving public lectures on natural history that formed the basis of Admirable Discourses.21