Marc Isambard Brunel (1769-1849) nourished an extraordinary intellect, in spite of a tyrannical father. After serving in Louis Xvi's navy as an officer cadet, he left France and, at the age of 30, came to britain via Ame...Marc Isambard Brunel (1769-1849) nourished an extraordinary intellect, in spite of a tyrannical father. After serving in Louis Xvi's navy as an officer cadet, he left France and, at the age of 30, came to britain via America; 50 years later he died here.