When a British Scientist Met a French Chemist
Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen
by watching a mouse survive,
a candle burning
in a chamber full of colorless gas –
red mercuric oxide.
Antoine Lavoisier discovered the nature of the gas
by realizing its part in
combustion, respiration –
and he named it
oxygen.
L.B. Sedlacek’s poetry has appeared in many publications. Her latest poetry book, "Words and Bones" was published by Finishing Line Press. She also teaches poetry at local elementary and middle schools, publishes a free resource for poets "The Poetry Market Ezine," and was a Poetry Editor for "ESC! Magazine."
