s were thebasis for the science now known as biochemistry. Lavoisier also helped to develop a system fornaming chemical substances based on their composition. This system is still in use. He made thevery first modern chemistry text named Trait elmentaire de chimie (Elements of Chemistry).Many consider it the first textbook on modern chemistry. Here for the first time the elements arelaid out systematically. His list included many compounds, which were thought to be elements atthe time. Lavoisier worked out reactions in chemical equations that respect the conservation ofmass. As a government official, Lavoisier was successful in creating agricultural reform, servingas a tax collection official, and overseeing the government's manufacture of gunpowder. On 1775he was made commissioner of gunpowder. He was asked to improve the quality of Frenchgunpowder. This boosted his career. Politically, Lavoisier was a moderate constitutionalist, andMarat and other radicals hated him because of this. He became involved in the Ferme Generale, aprivate tax-collection firm, which became a target during the Terror. When the Reign of Terrorerupted in France, Lavoisier fell victim to its tyranny and France lost one of her greatest scientist.The leaders of the French Revolution arrested Lavoisier in 1793. In spite of his achievements,Lavoisier was found guilty of conspiracy with the enemies of France because of his involvement intax collection. Nov. 24, 1793 Lavoisier and his 27 other colleagues were guillotined....
