Though a minority, women contributed to the development of chemistry through the centuries, under many roles and disguises: mythical figures, scientific muses, ingenious businesswomen or knowledgeable gentlewomen. In 18th century France, the professionalization of chemistry had not occurred, and academia or university were only one of the many settings of intellectual sociability; women, along with many amateurs, could easily take part in the scientific endeavor, from learning to circulating to producing knowledge. Among the best known figures is Marie-Anne Lavoisier, often depicted as a muse and most able assistant to Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier, sometimes even claimed to be a chemist in her own right because of her translation work. The same accounts for Claudine Picardet, lover and later wife of Louis-Bernard Guyton de Morveau. The case of Madame d'Arconville is different: while keeping her rank and her obligations as the housewife from the parliamentary bourgeoisie, she was able to connect to a network of relatives and friends that provided her access to up-to-date scientific and medical knowledge. As an active member, she translated and even contributed with her own research. Her works were published anonymously as well as many other pieces and translation in widely different areas such as theater, poetry, philosophy, morals and history.This paper will explore her life and work and contrast them with those of other known French women chemists.

Women chemists in 18<sup>th</sup> century France, with an emphasis on Madame d'Arconville

248th National Meeting (2014)

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Women chemists in 18th century France, with an emphasis on Madame d'Arconville

Women chemists in 18^th century France, with an emphasis on Madame d'Arconville