But the esteem, the inclination of the public for science, and the frequent lively expression of that sentiment, are of high importance to it, and play a great part in its history.

The times for that sympathy, somewhat ostentatious and frivolous as it may be, have always been, as regards sciences, times of impulse and progress, and, regarding things in their totality, natural history and chemistry profited by the social existence of M.de Buffon and of M.Lavoisier as much as by their discoveries" [M.

Guizot, _Melanges biographiques,_ Madame de Rumford].
[Illustration: Lavoisier----465] It was this movement in the public mind, ignorant but sympathetic, which, on the eve of the Revolution, supported, without understanding them, the efforts of the great scholars whose peaceful conquests survived the upheaval of society.

Farmer-general (of taxes) before he became a chemist, Lavoisier sought to apply the discoveries of science to common and practical wants.

"Devoted to the public instruction, I will seek to enlighten the people," he said to the king who proposed office to him.
The people were to send him to the scaffold.