Antoine Jérôme Balard was a French chemist born on September 30, 1802, in Montpellier, France. He is best known for discovering the chemical element bromine in 1826, which he isolated from seaweed. His work significantly contributed to the field of chemistry and expanded the understanding of halogens. Balard's research laid the groundwork for future studies in organic and inorganic chemistry. He became a professor at the University of Montpellier and was recognized for his contributions to science, earning membership in the French Academy of Sciences. He passed away on April 30, 1876.