Jean Louis Marc Alibert was born at Villefranche-de-Rouergue, southern France, on May 2, 1768. Alibert's family belonged to the higher bourgeoisie. His father, Pierre Alibert, was a well known magistrate. At an early age, Alibert entered the local college which was conducted by the Fathers of the Christian Doctrine. When he had completed his preliminary education, he entered the order and passed his novitiate at Toulouse. He had returned home and embarked on a teaching career when the law of Aug. 17, 1792, abolished all religious orders in France and compelled Alibert to change his profession. In 1795, he spent four months as a student at the Paris Normal School. His work there was abruptly ended by the closing of that institution.
Meanwhile Alibert had become acquainted with Pierre Roussel and Cabanis, both of whom were very influential. They introduced him into the well known salon of Madame