 He is credited with creation of the eponymous "Van Tieghem cell", a device mounted on a microscope slide that allows for observing the development of a fungus' mycelium.In 1864 he earned his doctorate in physical sciences with a thesis titled "Recherches sur la fermentation de l'urée et de l'acide hippurique", and two years later obtained a doctorate in natural history.From 1873 to 1886, he taught classes at the "École centrale des arts et manufactures", and from 1878 to 1914, was a professor at the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle.