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14 estimating the worth of noble labours, so long will the name of "Lavoisier" live, and the memory of him who bore it remain enshrined and held in affectionate reverence by succeeding generations.

Coffinhal, who would not listen to Lavoisier, had, says Lamartine, "the massive frame, figure, and masculine vigour of the Alpine races of his country (an Auvergnat). The energy of his mind responded to that of his muscles. Payan was the head, and Coffinhal the hand, of this night and morrow." And of this man Robespierre said: "You destroy me, you destroy yourself, you destroy the Republic." Ultimately he was guillotined.

Concerning this period Carlyle says in his French Revolution: "The spring sends its green leaves and bright weather, bright May, brighter than ever; death pauses not. Lavoisier, famed chemist, shall die and not live. Chemist Lavoisier was Farmer-General Lavoisier too, and now all the Farmers-General are arrested; all shall give an account of their moneys and incomings, and die for putting water in the tobacco they sold. Lavoisier begged a fortnight more of life to finish some experiments, but the Republic does not need such; the axe must do its work."

To illustrate the feelings, animosities, jealousies, and fiendish propensities of Robespierre and his minions, two coins and a medal of the period bear ample testimony.