Priestley, Cavendish, or Lavoisier?
The 18th century was an incredibly progressive time for the science of chemistry. The great chemists Priestly, Cavendish, and Lavoisier were very active during this time period and they contributed greatly to the study of chemistry. Antoine Lavoisier arguably had the longest lasting effect on modern chemistry. He was responsible for not only being the first to accurately describe the process of burning, but he also took a stand to clear up several general principles of chemistry. From the constant distillation and condensation of water, Lavoisier was able to dispel Thales of Miletus’ accepted idea that water is the origin of all things [1]. Similarly, Lavoisier was driven to disprove the idea of “philogiston” and remove it from chemistry doctrine. Through his study of combustion, he came to the conclusion that burning was the combination of a burning substance with oxygen [1]. This realization ultimately was accepted and the idea of philogiston fell by the wayside. One of the most important contributions of Lavoisier to chemistry was his Traité Elémentaire de Chimie, the first textbook written in the “new” language of chemistry. The textbook was written with the new nomenclature of chemistry and gave the average man access to chemistry [1]. Close behind in his contributions to chemistry was Joseph Priestley. Priestley was easily the most well-known of the three chemists, whether that be due to fame or infamy. In 1791 Priestley’s home was burned down by a mob enticed by the Crown of England. This infamy was not particularly earned; Priestley was an advocate for civil and religious liberties, but was very outspoken about his support of the Americans during the Revolution [2]. Throughout his life Priestley became well acquainted with Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and many other powerful figures in the United States.
References
[1]. B. Jaffe. Crucibles: The Story of Chemistry, Dover Publications, Inc., New York, USA, (1976) pp. 69-83.
[2]. B. Jaffe. Crucibles: The Story of Chemistry, Dover Publications, Inc., New York, USA, (1976) pp. 37-54.