view, because in that way chemistry may to say something important about the
quality as a metaphysical category. The manipulations with qualities requires a
special methodology that is based on analogies rather than on logics. Within this
epistemology, the main method that was developed is—classification and systematization. Similar, although not equivalent, development has appeared in the history
of biology, and geology—mineralogy.
Ceteris paribus quantification of the chemical method has induced the extension
of chemistry, which has been critical for the change of paradigm. Historically, many
of scientific revolutions were related to the name of particular scientist. In chemistry, it is undoubtedly Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier. First developed chemical
theory, the phlogiston theory that was the excellent achievement of the qualitative
science, the chosen stimulating model systems (experimentation with air, combustion, fixing of gases), and the rigorous quantification of experiments in the
isolated conditions, laid the foundations of the scientific revolution.
What would be the content of new chemical paradigm? First of all, it is necessary to clarify the notion of element and to consider it within the traditional
method of classification. The next step is to find the relation of element with the
atomistic theory, as well as to open the ways for the future discovery of the
structure of microcosm and its reflection on the macroscopic observation. Qualitative experiments and measurable data should be meaningfully associated to corresponding abstract models of the invisible structure—this is known as the method
of transduction.
Lavoisier has initiated this avalanche of paradigmatic changes by discussing the
concept of elements, and the possibility of their classification starting from the
rigorous experimentations (Lavoisier, 1789).
As I tried to show, every important scientific step begins with the selection of the
convenient model system. For Lavoisier, the model system was focused on the
“purest part of the air that supports combustion, and, in reactions with non-metals, it
yields acid—the element oxygen”. On the ceremonially Easter lecture in the
French Academy 1778 Lavoisier has emphasized:
The principle that is unifying with metals, which than are calxified, and which increase their
weight is: nothing else than the purest, and the healthiest part of air, which, after its
combination with metals, can be free again.
It is commonly in the history of science, that new discovery is already in
practical circulation, but that the scientists are not aware of it. Special persons like
Lavoisier are necessary for the recognition of the almost evident discovery. The
discovery never origins from a coincidence, but rather from the ability of
recognition!
Oxygen with its main properties has been in principle already discovered by
Scheele, Pristley, and, honestly, by Mayow. However, none of them did attribute it
to elements, and, none of them was able to formulate new universal chemical
principles from this discovery.
For instance, Joseph Pristley (1733–1804) has prepared the “dephlogisticated
air”, and described its unusual properties, alleviation of breathing, and supporting of
64
8 Scientific Revolution in Chemistry
quality as a metaphysical category. The manipulations with qualities requires a
special methodology that is based on analogies rather than on logics. Within this
epistemology, the main method that was developed is—classification and systematization. Similar, although not equivalent, development has appeared in the history
of biology, and geology—mineralogy.
Ceteris paribus quantification of the chemical method has induced the extension
of chemistry, which has been critical for the change of paradigm. Historically, many
of scientific revolutions were related to the name of particular scientist. In chemistry, it is undoubtedly Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier. First developed chemical
theory, the phlogiston theory that was the excellent achievement of the qualitative
science, the chosen stimulating model systems (experimentation with air, combustion, fixing of gases), and the rigorous quantification of experiments in the
isolated conditions, laid the foundations of the scientific revolution.
What would be the content of new chemical paradigm? First of all, it is necessary to clarify the notion of element and to consider it within the traditional
method of classification. The next step is to find the relation of element with the
atomistic theory, as well as to open the ways for the future discovery of the
structure of microcosm and its reflection on the macroscopic observation. Qualitative experiments and measurable data should be meaningfully associated to corresponding abstract models of the invisible structure—this is known as the method
of transduction.
Lavoisier has initiated this avalanche of paradigmatic changes by discussing the
concept of elements, and the possibility of their classification starting from the
rigorous experimentations (Lavoisier, 1789).
As I tried to show, every important scientific step begins with the selection of the
convenient model system. For Lavoisier, the model system was focused on the
“purest part of the air that supports combustion, and, in reactions with non-metals, it
yields acid—the element oxygen”. On the ceremonially Easter lecture in the
French Academy 1778 Lavoisier has emphasized:
The principle that is unifying with metals, which than are calxified, and which increase their
weight is: nothing else than the purest, and the healthiest part of air, which, after its
combination with metals, can be free again.
It is commonly in the history of science, that new discovery is already in
practical circulation, but that the scientists are not aware of it. Special persons like
Lavoisier are necessary for the recognition of the almost evident discovery. The
discovery never origins from a coincidence, but rather from the ability of
recognition!
Oxygen with its main properties has been in principle already discovered by
Scheele, Pristley, and, honestly, by Mayow. However, none of them did attribute it
to elements, and, none of them was able to formulate new universal chemical
principles from this discovery.
For instance, Joseph Pristley (1733–1804) has prepared the “dephlogisticated
air”, and described its unusual properties, alleviation of breathing, and supporting of
64
8 Scientific Revolution in Chemistry