Select the best statement about chemistry before 1800.
A)Alchemy focused on objective experimentation rather than mystical explanations of processes.
B)The phlogiston theory laid a valuable theoretical basis for modern chemistry.
C)Lavoisier's quantitative work on the role of oxygen in combustion was the beginning of modern chemistry.
D)The interpretation of data by alchemists was not biased by their overall view of life.
E)Alchemists failed because they did not develop any practical chemical methods.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lavoisier's quantitative work on the role of oxygen in combustion was a major breakthrough in chemistry, marking the beginning of modern chemistry. Alchemy was not focused on objective experimentation, and while the phlogiston theory was an important stepping stone, it was ultimately proven incorrect. The interpretation of data by alchemists was often biased by their mystical beliefs, and alchemists did develop some practical chemical methods (such as the discovery of acids and the distillation of alcohol).

Select the Best Statement About Chemistry Before 1800