Foucault,
Jean Bernard Léon 1819-68; Fr. physicist
Foucault,
Michel 1926-84; Fr. philosopher
See Foucault in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(fo͞o-kōˈ), Jean Bernard Léon 1819-1868.
French physicist who estimated the speed of light and determined that it travels more slowly in water than in air (1850). He also employed a pendulum to prove the rotation of the earth (1851) and invented the gyroscope (1852).
, Michel 1926-1984.
French philosopher and historian who explored the role played by power in shaping knowledge. His works include Madness and Civilization (1961) and the multi-volume History of Sexuality (1976-1986).