In 1917, he studied at École Polytechnique, Zürich, obtaining a diploma in agricultural engineering, then from 1918-22 obtained a doctorate in biological science at the University of Lausanne.
At his Paris studio, he taught burin-engraving - the classic copper-engraving technique - to many artists, including British surrealist painter and printmaker Stanley William Hayter, South African-born British painter and printmaker Dolf Rieser.