What were Antoine Lavoisier’s major contributions to chemistry?

Antoine Lavoisier, often called the "father of modern chemistry," was a central figure in the 18th-century chemical revolution. His major contributions include:

• Oxygen Theory of Combustion: Lavoisier replaced the outdated phlogiston theory by demonstrating that oxygen is the key substance involved in combustion, respiration, and calcination. He identified oxygen as the "generator of acids" and proved that weight changes in these processes were due to the fixation or release of air.123
• Conservation of Mass: He established the principle that matter is neither created nor destroyed in chemical reactions. By emphasizing precise measurement and quantification, he made the conservation of mass a foundational law of modern science.4
• Chemical Nomenclature: Lavoisier coauthored a systematic method for naming chemical substances. Published in 1787, this system provided the basis for modern chemical nomenclature.156
• Scientific Methodology: Through his Elementary Treatise on Chemistry, he defined rigorous standards for experimentation, elevating chemistry to a precise, evidence-based discipline.16