What technologies helped in the collecting of evidence to support the oxygen theory of combustion.

The oxygen theory of combustion was supported by the development and use of several key technologies and scientific instruments:

1. Pneumatic Trough: This was used by scientists like Joseph Priestley and Antoine Lavoisier to collect gases. Priestley discovered oxygen by isolating it in a pneumatic trough.

2. Calorimeter: Lavoisier used a calorimeter to measure the heat produced during combustion. This helped him to demonstrate that combustion requires a substance (oxygen) and that it releases heat.

3. Precision Scales: Lavoisier also used precision scales to measure the weight of substances before and after combustion. He found that the weight of the products of combustion was equal to the weight of the original substances plus the weight of the oxygen that had been consumed. This was a key piece of evidence in support of the oxygen theory of combustion.

4. Closed System Experiments: Lavoisier conducted experiments in closed systems, where no gases could escape. This allowed him to accurately measure the amount of oxygen consumed during combustion.

5. Chemical Analysis: Various methods of chemical analysis were used to identify and quantify the substances involved in combustion reactions. This provided further evidence to support the oxygen theory of combustion.

These technologies and methods provided the empirical evidence needed to support the oxygen theory of combustion, leading to its acceptance by the scientific community.