Abstract

Scientific theory and industrial technology became increasingly dependent on each other in the past few centuries. In this paper, I will argue for an effective interaction between knowledge revolution and technical development in the late 18 th century, by examining the practice of Jean-Antoine Claude Chaptal (1756-1832) , an excellent French chemical entrepreneur, chemical industrial scientist and technical expert in his early career. In 1780 s, as one of earliest chemical experts who supported Lavoisier's new theory, Chaptal gradually rejected traditional phlogiston theory. His complete conversion to the new system of chemistry can be regarded as a significant part of the provincialization of the chemical revolution. Furthermore, his attitude towards the new scientific theory was determined by needs of his enterprise and technical development to a great extent. Chaptal's conversion and practice demonstrated an intimate relationship between theoretical knowledge and industrial technology, and, more particularly, a reciprocal intervention between the knowledge revolution and the related technology innovation during the Industrial Revolution.

Key Words

Industrial revolution; France; Chemical industry; Chemical revolution; The relationship between science and technology

Citation: Yao, D., Li, W. 'J.-A.C. Chaptal and the Interaction Between Technological Developments and Knowledge Revolution in the Late 18th Century' [J]. Journal of Dialectics of Nature, 2019, 41(5): 116-125.

Download: J.-A.C. Chaptal and the Interaction Between Technological Developments and Knowledge Revolution in the Late 18th Century