Acid Quote by Antoine Lavoisier
![“In every combustion there is disengagement of the matter of fire or of light. A body can burn only in pure air [oxygen]. There is no destruction or decomposition of pure air and the increase in weight of the body burnt is exactly equal to the weight of air destroyed or decomposed. The body burnt…” quote by Antoine Lavoisier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b77/antoine-lavoisier-16042_acid_in-every-combustion-there-is-disengageme_2885083.jpg)
“In every combustion there is disengagement of the matter of fire or of light. A body can burn only in pure air [oxygen]. There is no destruction or decomposition of pure air and the increase in weight of the body burnt is exactly equal to the weight of air destroyed or decomposed. The body burnt changes into an acid by addition of the substance that increases its weight. Pure air is a compound of the matter of fire or of light with a base. In combustion the burning body removes the base, which it attracts more strongly than does the matter of heat, which appears as flame, heat and light.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Elements of Chemistry, 1789
Combustion involves oxygen combining with a substance, increasing its mass, not destroying air.
In simple terms: Burning adds oxygen, increasing weight.
Key Takeaway
Recognize oxygen’s role in reactions.
Themes
science
chemistry
reaction
mass
energy
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
educational
scientific
When to use this quote
- laboratory experiments
- industrial combustion
- environmental monitoring
- education
- fire safety
Key Concepts
stoichiometry
oxidation
conservation of mass
Questions to Reflect On
- How does oxygen affect weight change?
- What other gases influence combustion?
A Different Perspective
Does not address combustion in non‑oxygen environments.
![“This theory [the oxygen theory] is not as I have heard it described, that of the French chemists, it is mine (elle est la mienne); it is a property which I claim from my contemporaries and from posterity.” quote by Antoine Lavoisier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d1f/antoine-lavoisier-16042_chemist_this-theory-the-oxygen-theory-is-not-as_850457.jpg)
