Born in Geneva, De Luc conducted extensive research in physics and the natural sciences. In 1773, he settled in England, where he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society. He also lived in Germany - including in Berlin, Brunswick, and Göttingen - and was named honorary professor of geology and mineralogy at the University of Göttingen. De Luc performed important research on atmospheric pressure, analyzing the influence of temperature on the level reached by mercury in barometric tubes. He devised a correction formula to be used in determining altitudes by means of a barometer. He also perfected a portable barometer.