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Line 2: − 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. + − + + + Line 13:
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==Career==
==Career==
Born in Paris to a very wealthy family, he studied under eminent scientists, won early recognition, and was elected to the highly prestigious Academy of Sciences in 1768. To fund his researches and his scientific assistants and collaborators he accepted the highly lucrative post of collector ("farmer-general") of taxes in 1769.
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.
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.
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. He was a personal friend of [[Benjamin Franklin]], and did experiments in electricity.
He collaborated closely with the young mathematician [[Pierre de Laplace]] (1749–1827) during 1777-84 on experiments on the physics of heat, temperature, and combustion. The collaboration helped Lavoisier understand the physical aspects of chemical problems. Laplace's assistance enabled Lavoisier to complete his case for the rejection of phlogiston theory.
Long interested in public affairs, he studied French finances and agricultureand drafted a scheme for reforming the educational system.
Long interested in public affairs, he studied French finances and agricultureand drafted a scheme for reforming the educational system.
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.
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.
==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* Beretta, Marco, ed. ''Lavoisier in Perspective'' (2005) technical studies
* Donovan, Arthur. ''Antoine Lavoisier: science, administration, and revolution'' (1996) 351 pages
* Donovan, Arthur. ''Antoine Lavoisier: science, administration, and revolution'' (1996) 351 pages
* French, Sidney J. ''Torch & Crucible: The Life and Death of Antoine Lavoisier'' (1941) [http://www.questia.com/read/1104528?title=Torch%20%26%20Crucible%3a%20The%20Life%20and%20Death%20of%20Antoine%20Lavoisier online edition].
* French, Sidney J. ''Torch & Crucible: The Life and Death of Antoine Lavoisier'' (1941) [http://www.questia.com/read/1104528?title=Torch%20%26%20Crucible%3a%20The%20Life%20and%20Death%20of%20Antoine%20Lavoisier online edition].