Olivier de Serres

1539-1619

French Agronomist

Olivier de Serres is sometimes referred to as the father of French agriculture. His most famous work, the Théatre d'agriculture (1600), provided a complete guide to agricultural practices and helped to outline the ideals of French Protestant culture. Serres advocated agricultural reform, and explained land-management techniques of the utmost importance in an era threatened by nearly continuous famine, drought, and war.

Olivier de Serres was born in 1539 on his family manor, called Pradel. He spent his entire life on this estate, and established many experimental fields on its lands. His father, Jacques de Serres, and his mother, Louis de Leyris, were both from well-established families of landowners in Vivarais. However, despite his affluent upbringing, there is little evidence to substantiate his level of education. He studied at the University of Valence but probably never graduated. Still, he was well versed in agronomy and studied all that was written concerning agricultural practices.

Serres's most important work was his Théatre d'agriculture, which was published in 1600. This book was immensely popular and appeared in more than 45 editions through the course of the century. Indeed, it remained the standard textbook of agriculture for an even greater period of time. The work is divided into sections that explain specific agronomic and horticultural practices. These sections focus on subjects as diverse as methods of tilling, dressing, and sowing, the nature of soils, the art of grafting, the maintenance of kitchen gardens, the planting of trees, and the comportment of the country gentleman.

In essence, this book operated as a guidebook for the French landowner. It discussed the domestication and cultivation of French plants and animals, and provided detailed instructions on how to maximize the productivity of the land. Serres advocated irrigation and provided useful tips for the maintenance of well-drained soils. Likewise, he was one of the first advocates of water conservation techniques. Furthermore, while he discussed the uses of native species, he also advocated the use of artificial grasses on fallow lands. Indeed, he introduced hops to France, an ingredient necessary for beer-brewing.

Serres dedicated his Théatre d'agriculture to Henry IV, who was a close friend. The two were so well acquainted that in 1599, Serres published a book on the art of silk collecting especially for the King. Because of this book, Serres was recognized as an expert on sericulture, the production of raw silk and the rearing of silkworms for this purpose.

The wealth of knowledge contained in Serres's Théatre d'agriculture was significant regardless of social circumstances. However, the social conditions of the time directly impacted Serres, and shaped his role as a public figure. His focus on agricultural practices was imperative during a time of constant famine, war, and drought. Increased harvests were necessary to accommodate the increased demands that were placed on the land. This era was particularly impacted by religious battles instigated by the uprisings of the Protestant reformation; Serres actively participated in some of these battles. A convert to Protestantism as a young man, Serres acted as a leader of the local Huguenots as early as 1561. Between 1560 and 1570, Serres commanded troops in local campaigns, and was driven from Pradel on many occasions.

Relatively recent developments in the printing and distribution of books, paired with a greater literacy rate, help to account for the extent of Serres's influence. His scientific methods and projects were based on the observation of his immediate surroundings. These methods, employed by many other scientists of the time, were developed in direct reaction to the emphasis on the cosmological and universal theories perpetuated by medieval Catholic scientists. Serres's agenda was both French and Protestant. His book outlined practical farming practices and also illustrated the means by which to attain a cultural and religious ideal.

DEAN SWINFORD