Who is J.B. Robinet from The Poetics of Space and what is their importance?

J.B. Robinet is an eighteenth-century scientist. Robinet develops a theory on ontogenesis that Bachelard believes is more a result of dreaming than science. His theory claims the purpose of life is to make shells, which are proven by evidence of fossil shells. Other opinions may surmise Robinet is a victim of overactive imagination, an extravagant daydream or sexually-obsessed behavior.