Antoine Lavoisier: The Frenchman who transformed chemistry forever
Antoine Lavoisier didn’t just study chemistry—he transformed it Known as the Father of Modern Chemistry, he shattered old myths, discovered the role of oxygen in burning, and laid the foundation for the science we know today. His work turned chemistry into a precise and logical field, proving that every reaction follows rules. In this episode of Towering Scientists we take a look at his life and legacy.
Before Antoine Lavoisier (1743–1794), chemistry was little more than an extension of alchemy, steeped in vague ideas and mysterious substances.
Dispensing with alchemy
One of the most widely accepted theories of the time was the phlogiston theory, which suggested that when something burned, it released an invisible element called phlogiston. This idea dominated scientific thought, despite its lack of empirical evidence.
Lavoisier, however, approached chemistry with a new level of precision. Through meticulous experimentation and careful measurement, he disproved the phlogiston theory and laid the foundation for modern chemistry.
One of his most groundbreaking discoveries was the true nature of combustion. Through a series of carefully controlled experiments, he demonstrated that burning was not the result of phlogiston being released, but rather a process in which substances combined with oxygen from the air.
This revelation was transformative, not only explaining the nature of fire but also unlocking a deeper understanding of respiration. Lavoisier proved that humans and animals depend on oxygen to survive, fundamentally reshaping the study of physiology and biology.
Read more on RFI English
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