Studied at the Caroline Academy in Stuttgart, then tutored by a noble family in Normandy. He was appointed to a local government post and began to make a name for himself as a naturalist. In 1795, Geoffroy Saint Hilaire brought him to Paris as professor of animal anatomy at the new Natural History Museum. When Napoélon came to power, he was also Inspector General of Public Instruction and State Councillor. He continued to serve the state under various kings. He amused his colleagues with his energy and devotion to science. Académie française in 1818.Letter signed 25.02.1812: "... Voudriez vous avoir la bonté de demander à Monsieur le Grand Ecuyer si Monsieur Fries peut espérer quelque chose de son bon souvenir …”.2 pp. in-4.