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Donaldson IML (2008).  Lavoisier's comments on the art of drawing conclusions from experiments.

Commentary on: Lavoisier A-L de (c 1784). Undated documents contained in: Mémoires de Lavoisier, Oeuvres, Tome III.  Paris: Imprimerie Impériale, 1865. pp 499-513. 

Cite as: Donaldson IML (2008). Lavoisier's comments on the art of drawing conclusions from experiments. The James Lind Library (www.jameslindlibrary.org). 

Accessed
© IML Donaldson, 2008.

Author contact details: IML Donaldson, University of Edinburgh & Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. E-mail: i.m.l.d@ed.ac.uk

Though these memoirs are undated, this piece is part of Lavoisier’s writings on the task of the Royal Commission - of which he was a member - appointed in 1784 to examine the claims made by Mesmer and his followers for Animal Magnetism.  The context indicates that the piece was written either during, or in recent recollection of, the deliberations of the Commission. 

On page 499 of the Oeuvres, Vol. III, the Editor added a footnote saying:

‘Lavoisier had collected together the following pieces, written in his own hand, with the intention of publishing them.  We have conformed to his intentions.’

The context indicates that the piece was written either during, or in recent recollection of, the deliberations of the Commission.