Lavoisier was the first to attempt the ultimate analysis of organic compounds, by burning these bodies in a stream of oxygen, and collecting the water and carbonic acid produced. This work is of historical interest as being the last performed by the illustrious savant, and just before execution.
But his ultimate right to fame rests on his interpretation of the phenomenon of combustion—that it is not a decomposition but a combination; the indestructibility of matter (conservation of mass); his philosophical deductions of the work of others; the introduction of the balance into all chemical operations; the recognition as elements of those bodies only which yield but one kind of matter; the formation of compounds from elements; his system of nomenclature; and, finally, his work (in conjunction with Laplace) on specific heats. Surely a goodly list, and sufficient to make his name immortal in the history of chemistry.
His energy knew no bounds, and at an early age, twenty-five, he became fermier général under the Government, and had the right, with others, of collecting the indirect taxes throughout France;[1] a and this position during the
- ↑ Since the time of King Philip VI. of Valois (1328-50), the kings of France allowed the taxes to be farmed; and for this privilege those appointed had to pay the king certain sums of money. They recouped themselves by the money collected. Many fermiers généraux became rich, and in consequence were obnoxious to the poor. The nobles and clergy were exempted from taxation.
