Books:
* Essai de statique chimique (1803): This two-volume work is considered his most important contribution. It challenged the prevailing chemical theory of fixed proportions, arguing that chemical reactions could result in a range of products depending on the relative amounts of reactants. This was a significant departure from the accepted view of the time and laid the foundation for the later development of chemical kinetics and equilibrium.
* Recherches sur les lois de l'affinité (1801): In this work, Berthollet explored the concept of chemical affinity, which is the tendency of substances to combine with each other. This work was groundbreaking in its attempt to quantify the forces involved in chemical reactions.
* Mémoire sur la nature des sels (1789): This work focused on the composition of salts and played a significant role in the development of modern inorganic chemistry.
Other works:
* Berthollet also made important contributions to the study of bleaching, particularly in the development of the chlorine bleaching process which revolutionized the textile industry.
* He collaborated with Antoine Lavoisier and Pierre-Simon Laplace in developing the calorimetric bomb which allowed for the accurate measurement of heat released in chemical reactions.
* He served as a member of the French Academy of Sciences and was a prominent figure in the scientific community of his time.
Berthollet's work was controversial in its time, but it ultimately helped to advance the understanding of chemical reactions and led to the development of new theories and techniques. His legacy continues to be felt today.