ABSTRACT

The Régie des Poudres et Salpêtres was organized in 1775 after a private contractor failed to supply the necessary amount of saltpetre to the French government. Lavoisier was asked to make a report on the state of the powder manufacture, and he suggested that the government take over the operation of most mills and refineries. That done, Lavoisier was appointed a régisseur (director), a position he held until he resigned in 1791. He is generally credited with a great improvement in the provision of gunpowder, because of his administrative ability and scientific skills.