Essays from a May 1994 historiographic workshop on the evolution of chemistry 1789-1939 focus on the diffusion of the nomenclature designed by French chemist Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier and his colleagues in the last decade of the 18th century and its adoption in European countries previously understudied, such as Belgium, Portugal, Poland, and Spain. Includes essays in French and English, and nine European language translations of the bibliographies of two of Lavoisier's classic works. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Comprehensive account illuminating Lavoisier's role in the rise of modern chemistry and the French Revolution.

Originally published in French in 1993 (Editions Pygmalion/Gerard Watelet, Paris), and expanded and revised for this translation. The founder of modern chemistry, Lavoisier (1743-1794) was active on commisions connected with agriculture, gunpowder, banking, and finance, and was ultimately executed during the Reign of Terror. This biography recounts Lavoisier's scientific accomplishments and his role in the chemical revolution and early history of organic chemistry and physiology; but it is in the examination of his political and economic activities and accomplishments that it breaks new ground. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The author explores the origins of the eighteenth-century chemical revolution as it centers on Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier's earliest work on combustion. He shows that the main lines of Lavoisier's theory—including his theory of a heat-fluid, caloric—were elaborated well before his discovery of the role played by oxygen. Contrary to the opinion prevailing at that time, Lavoisier suspected, and demonstrated by experiment, that common air, or some portion of it, combines with substances when they are burned. Professor Guerlac examines critically the theories of other historians of science concerning these first experiments, and tries to unravel the influences which French, German, and British chemists may have had on Lavoisier. He has made use of newly discovered material on this phase of Lavoisier's career, and includes an appendix in which the essential documents are printed together for the first time.

Before Henry Guerlac's book, we knew little about the reasons that led the great chemist Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier to discover the role of air in combustion. Henry Guerlac finds that this breakthrough that began the Chemical Revolution did not come "ex nihilo," as many historians claim. Rather, it marked the culmination of research by British and French chemists, radically refashioned by Lavoisier and his disciples. Henry Guerlac portrays Lavoisier integrating Continental and British chemical traditions. Like New ton in physics and Darwin in biology, Lavoisier was a revolutionary. This work presents his in a vigorous and innovative light.

"A biography of eighteenth-century French chemist Antoine Lavoisier and includes related activities for readers"--Provided by publisher.

The first complete and detailed catalogue of Lavoisier’s collection of instruments preserved at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The story of the collection is carefully reconstructed and its instruments (all illustrated) are described in detail.

Antoine Lavoisier has been called the founder of modern chemistry. The French scientist is most remembered for developing the scientific method, which is a careful, step-by-step process for proving or disproving something.

This book provides an historical overview of the recent developments in the history of diverse fields within chemistry. It follows on from Recent Developments in the History of Chemistry, a volume published in 1985. Covering chiefly the last 20 years, the primary aim of Chemical History: Reviews of the Recent Literature is to familiarise newcomers to the history of chemistry with some of the more important developments in the field. Starting with a general introduction and look at the early history of chemistry, subsequent chapters go on to investigate the traditional areas of chemistry (physical, organic, inorganic) alongside analytical chemistry, physical organic chemistry, medical chemistry and biochemistry, and instruments and apparatus. Topics such as industrial chemistry and chemistry in national contexts, whilst not featuring as separate chapters, are woven throughout the content. Each chapter is written by experts and is extensively referenced to the international chemical literature. Chemical History: Reviews of the Recent Literature is also ideal for chemists who wish to become familiar with historical aspects of their work. In addition, it will appeal to a wider audience interested in the history of chemistry, as it draws together historical materials that are widely scattered throughout the chemical literature.