Who is called the Father of Modern Chemistry?

              He was the man who first proved that air contains two gases: oxygen and nitrogen. Also he established that when a substance is burnt it combines with oxygen in the air. This really moved chemistry into the modern age, because it explained for the first time what really happens during the important chemical process of burning. This great scientist, Antoine Laurent Lavoisier, was born on August 26, 1746 in Paris and is called the ‘Father of Modern Chemistry’. After completing his education, he first became a lawyer and worked as a tax collector. In his spare time he conducted research work.

              In 1766, he won a gold medal for his suggestions on how to light the streets of Paris. He was later given the job of a Gunpowder Officer. Lavoisier did a great deal of research on combustion. In 1772, he proved through an experiment that the ash from burnt metals is heavier than the original metals. Earlier people believed that when such things are burnt, they give off a substance called phlogiston. Lavoisier proved that during the process of burning something was added to the substance. 

            Lavoisier made many other important discoveries. He first pronounced ‘the law of conservation of matter’. He also conducted research on the nature of chemical reactions. The system he devised for naming the chemical compounds is still in practice. He published his major discoveries in a book called Elementary Treatise on Chemistry. This book contained the first published table of chemical elements.

           He successfully demonstrated the advantages of scientific agriculture, and planned improvement in the social and economic condition of the province of Orleans. He was nominated a member of the commission formed to secure uniformity of weights and measures throughout France. It was the report of this commission that led to the adoption of the metric system by France.

           After the French Revolution of 1789, Lavoisier was willing to help the government. But because of his political leanings and his job as a tax collector with the earlier government, he was put to death by guillotine on May 8, 1794.