introduction online exhibition rare book library contacts introduction online exhibition rare book library contacts origins of modernity online exhibition This is Antoine Lavoisier's ( ) first book. It deals with the phenomena of disengagement and fixation of an elastic fluid during combustion and fermentation. It represents the first phase in a series of experiments which ultimately led to the rejection of the phlogiston theory and the discovery of oxygen. In order to have the book published, Lavoisier had to reperform all the experiments before the Commissioners of the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris.

Antoine Lavoisier's ( ) Trait � was his crowning achievement giving a full exposition of his and his disciples achievement in chemistry. It opens with the famous 'Discours preliminaire' which outlines his views on methodology. Indeed the 'Discours' is the most widely read of Lavoisier's writings today. In the Trait � Lavoisier included a table of substances simples which is a precursor to the Periodic Table. It is quite revealing as to the state of knowledge about material elements in his day. The thirteen copperplate engravings are the work of Lavoisier's wife who dedicated her life to assisting and promoting her husband's work.

Glanvill, Joseph ( ) Scepsis scientifica, or, Confest ignorance, the way to science. London : Printed by E. Cotes, for Henry Eversden, Glanvill's Scepsis scientifica was an influential account of the way in which scientific argument could be based on probabilistic reasoning. Some historians see the author as having been influenced by debates over the extent to which there was any ultimate authority in religious disputes.

Sprat, Thomas ( ) The history of the Royal-Society of London, for the improving of natural knowledge. London, Printed by T. R. for J. Martyn and J. Allestry, Printers to the Royal Society, A classic work which provided not only a history of the early society but also a defence of scientific enquiry against claims that it might endanger the restored Church and King.