Claude, Georges (1870–1960)

French industrial chemist, responsible for inventing neon signs. In 1896 he discovered that acetylene, normally explosive, could be safely transported when dissolved in acetone. He later demonstrated that neon gas could be used to provide a bright red light in signs. These were displayed publicly for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in 1910.

As an old man, Claude spent the period 1945–49 in prison as a collaborator.