Three Philosophers

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.

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