Three Philosophers presents the life-histories of Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, Joseph Priestley, and Henry Cavendish. This book discusses the discovery of the composition of water marks, which is the birth of modern chemical science.

Organized into 19 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the biographical background of Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, who contributed largely to chemistry and physics. This text then discusses Lavoisier's role as the virtual founder of the science of nutrition, in the sense that he originated methods of enquiry in this field which were the basis of almost all later developments. Other chapters illustrate Lavoisier in his capacity of progressive social reformer. This book discusses as well the experimental work on oxygen consumption, which is commonly known as metabolism nowadays. The final chapter deals with the death of two great philosophers, Joseph Priestley and Henry Cavendish.

This book is a valuable resource for students, teachers, and research workers.

Contenu

Prefatory Note
I. The Young Lavoisier
II. Science, Finance, and Marriage
III. Lavoisier's Background
IV. Joseph Priestley
V. Witches' Cauldron
VI. Oxygen
VII. Priestley and Lavoisier Meet
VIII. The Honourable Henry Cavendish
IX. Water
X. Lavoisier as Reformer
XI. The Science of Nutrition
XII. Interruptions
XIII. Birmingham and the Bastille
XIV. The Fall of the Academy of Science
XV. Arrest
XVI. Last Days
XVII. The Guillotine
XVIII. Restitution
XIX. Death Of Two Philosophers
Bibliography
Index