He received his education at polytechnic schools in
Stuttgart and
Berlin. In 1846, following the death of his father, he took over management of a metal goods factory. In the 1850s he gradually handed over the company's business to his younger brother, Wilhelm Deffner (1829–1897). He is known for his geological investigations of
Württemberg, in particular, exploratory studies of the
Nördlinger Ries crater and the Filder Graben (located near
Filderstadt). He also made significant contributions towards publication of the geological map of Württemberg. Shortly before his death, he donated his
paleontological,
mineralogical and geological collections to the
Oberrealschule in Esslingen. Between 1855 & 1870 he was a member of the
Württemberg Landtag (Liberal Party), and between 1868 & 1870 was part of the
Zollparlament. == Selected published works ==