Marie Anne Paulze Lavoisier
Wife of the Father of Modern Chemistry, Chemist in Her Own Right
Marie Paulze Lavoisier was not just a wife to Antoine Lavoisier. She was instrumental in bringing his experiments to publication as she translated documents and illustrated his scientific texts with incredible competence and efficiency. She established a new standard for scientific diagrams for her husband's textbook.
She took part in his experiments, was responsible for managing the experimental records and organizing the laboratory. As precise measurements are important in experimental results, her careful illustrations were crucial for the success of Lavoisier's book.
Early Life of Marie Paulze Lavoisier
Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze (January 20,1758 - February 10,1836) was only 13 years old when she agreed to marry Antoine Lavoisier, an ambitions lawyer, now considered the father of modern chemisty. By affinity, she becomes the "mother of modern chemistry." She was the daughter of a tax farmer. Lavoisier, a wealthy businessman obsessed with chemistry and geology, followed a rigorous schedule, something she had to put up with at a very young age. For instance, he worked from six to nine in the mornings, a full day of meetings, then back into the laboratory for three hours after dinner.
Hands-on Crush Learning
Although Marie Paulze Lavoisier was so young, she immediately started learning chemistry, English and Latin so that she could share her husband's research. She translated the work of British chemists like Joseph Priestley, and studied art and engraving to illustrate her husband's scientific experiments.
Lavoisiers and Scientific Advancement
Antoine Lavoisier wanted to revolutionize chemistry, and he introduced the name, symbols and equations that chemists still use today. He insisted that numbers and precise measurements were vital for chemistry, and he invented instruments to measure small weights extremely accurately.
Important research was also being carried out in England, and because Marie Paulze Lavoisier had learned English, she was able to translate books and articles into French for her husband. She also collaborated with Lavoisier in his research. Together, they entertained some of the world's most famous chemists and traveled together.
Lavoisiers for an Improved French Society
Antoine Lavoisier also wanted to revolutionize society. He genuinely wanted to improve the poor conditions endured by the peasants. He owned a large farm where he carried out agricultural experiments, trying to improve the quantity and quality of the wheat, milk and meat his farm produced. He tried to persuade the government to change the laws so that ordinary workers would be better off. Paulze Lavoisier shared her husband's ideas. They searched for ways of making the peasants' work more profitable.
Last Years of the Lavoisiers
Unfortunately, during the Reign of Terror after the French Revolution, Lavoisier was accused of getting rich as a taxman at the expense of the workers. Along with his father-in-law, he was taken to prison. Despite Lavoisier's significant work and services, was underwent an enormous attack as a former tax farmer-general. Lavoisier and his father-in-law were guillotined. It was devastating for Paulze Lavoisier, who herself was imprisoned.
After Paulze Lavoisier was released, she spent years trying to get back all their confiscated property. She also tried all means to restore her husband's reputation, including publication of Lavoisier's papers while he was in prison.
For many years, Marie Paulze Lavoisier invited distinguished writers, artists and chemists to her house for dinners and discussions.
Sources:
Fara, Patricia. Scientists Anonymous. London: Wizard Books, 2007
Farndon, John and Alex Woolf, Anne Rooney and Liz Gogerly. The Great Scientists. Capella, 2005
McGovern, Una, Ed. Biographical Dictionary. Edinburgh: Chambers Harrap, 2002
Marie Paulze Lavoisier and Antoine Lavoiser
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