Arago was an important contributor to many scientific disciplines, including astronomy, optics, and electricity. Because he spread his efforts over such a wide range his name does not carry the sort of recognition that would have come had he devoted his time to just one field. However, he was directly responsible for stimulating the scientific interests of a generation of French students, many of whom went on to attain prominence themselves.

Arago was born into a political family: his father was the mayor of their small town and was eventually named cashier of the French mint. Arago obtained a classical education and intended to join the military at the age of twenty. Officials recognized his scientific abilities, however, and assigned him to a post first at the Paris Observatory and later with the Bureau of Longitudes. In 1806 he traveled to southern Europe and North Africa to survey land...