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==Career==
==Career==
He was born in Paris in 1742. To pursue his research he accepted the post of farmer-general in 1769, introduced in 1776 improvements in manufacturing gunpowder, discovered the composition of the air and the nature of [[oxygen]], applied the principles of chemistry to agriculture, and indicated the presence and action of these principles in various other domains of scientific inquiry.
He was born in Paris in 1742. He studied under eminent scientists, won early recognition, and was elected to the highly prestigious Academy of Sciences in 1768. To fund his research he accepted the post of farmer-general in 1769.
Lavoisier demonstrated experimentally that oxygen is involved in combustion, rusting, and respiration, thereby disproving the "phlogiston theory." He invented the basic notation like H<sub>2</sub>O that have been used ever since.
In applied science he made improvements in manufacturing gunpowder, discovered the composition of the air and the nature of [[oxygen]], applied the principles of chemistry to agriculture, and indicated the presence and action of these principles in various other domains of scientific inquiry. He helped establish the modern [[metric system]] of grams and meters.
Lavoisier demonstrated experimentally that oxygen is involved in combustion, rusting, and respiration, thereby disproving the "[[phlogiston theory]]." He invented the basic notation like H<sub>2</sub>O that have been used ever since.
Long interested in public affairs, he studied French finances and agricultureand drafted a scheme for reforming the educational system.
==Executed==
==Executed==
During the [[French Revolution]] Lavoisier was a moderate constitutionalist who came under heavy attack from the far left, especially [[Jean Paul Marat]]. His work with the unpopular Ferme Generale led to his trial during the [[Reign of Terror]]. Called to account for his actions as farmer-general, one in particular "putting water in the tobacco," and condemned to the [[guillotine]]; he in vain begged for a fortnight's respite to finish some experiments.
Lavoisier was a moderate constitutionalist who came under heavy attack from the far left, such as Jean Paul Marat. His work with the unpopular Ferme Generale led to his trial during the [[Reign of Terror]]. Called to account for his actions as farmer-general, one in particular “putting water in the tobacco,” and condemned to the [[guillotine]]; he in vain begged for a fortnight's respite to finish some experiments.
==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* Donovan, Arthur. ''Antoine Lavoisier: science, administration, and revolution'' (1996) 351 pages
* Donovan, Arthur. ''Antoine Lavoisier: science, administration, and revolution'' (1996) 351 pages