2017-07-18 Tue

France issued a new 11.30 stamp on 6th June featuring the text “1817 - Invention Du Ciment Artificial,” which translates to "invention of artificial cement". It depicts Louis Vicat (1786-1861) and Souillac Bridge over the Dordogne River. Vicat's son Joseph founded the cement and concrete company named Vicat in 1853.

Louis Vicat graduated from France’s Polytechnique and Ponts et Chaussees engineering schools. He was asked to build a new bridge over the Dordogne River in 1812. The river was known for its strong flow and special techniques were required to build it. Vicat started researching to construct a robust bridge at the lowest possible cost. In 1817, he finally discovered how to manufacture artificial lime and cement. The foundation of Souillac Bridge was the first structure made of artificial cement. The construction of the bridge was completed in 1824. French Academy of Sciences authenticated the invention in 1818, but Vicat never got a patent for it.