Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier was born on 26 August 1743 in Paris to a wealthy noble family. He inherited a fortune at a young age and began his education at the Collège des Quatre-Nations, where he developed an interest in the natural sciences. He later studied law, earning a degree but never practicing as a lawyer, instead pursuing chemistry and other scientific disciplines in his spare time.Lavoisier's early scientific work included studies in geology and chemistry, leading to his first publication in 1764. He became a member of the Academy of Sciences in 1768 and contributed to various scientific projects, including a geological survey of Alsace-Lorraine. His research focused on improving urban street lighting and public sanitation, demonstrating his commitment to applying science for the public good.In 1771, Lavoisier married Marie-Anne Paulze, who became his laboratory assistant and collaborator. He joined the Ferme générale, a tax farming company, which provided him with the financial means to support his scientific endeavors. However, his association with the Ferme générale later contributed to his unpopularity during the French Revolution.Lavoisier's significant contributions to chemistry included the identification of oxygen and hydrogen as elements, the formulation of the law of conservation of mass, and the development of a systematic chemical nomenclature. He conducted precise experiments that demonstrated the role of oxygen in combustion, challenging the prevailing phlogiston theory. His work laid the foundation for modern chemistry, emphasizing quantitative analysis and the importance of accurate measurements.During the French Revolution, Lavoisier faced political turmoil due to his association with the Ferme générale. He was arrested in 1793, accused of tax fraud and other charges, and was ultimately guillotined on 8 May 1794. Despite his execution, Lavoisier's scientific legacy endured, and he was posthumously exonerated by the French government a year and a half later. His contributions to chemistry and biology remain influential, marking him as a pivotal figure in the history of science.

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Antoine Lavoisier