10. Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier
Antoine Lavoisier was an essential French chemist who helped move science from being qualitative to be more quantitative and empirical. He showed the role of oxygen in combustion and even named the elements of oxygen and hydrogen. He wrote out a comprehensive list of elements, which helped lead to the modern periodic table, and worked out the system of chemical nomenclature. His work was so foundational that he is considered to be the father of modern chemistry.
Unfortunately, Robespierre was more concerned with consolidating his power than with the role of French scientists. Lavoisier was a leader of the Femme Generale, which was a particularly hated aspect of the monarchy. Along with other former members of the Femme Generale, he came under question for his suspected role in adding water to tobacco to increase its weight before selling it and of defrauding the state of funds. He was convicted; despite efforts to save his life because of his role as a scientist, the judge allegedly said that France does not need scientists but rather needs swift justice.
Lavoisier was later exonerated, and his personal effects were brought to his wife, complete with a note that said, “To the widow of Lavoisier, who was falsely convicted.”