Joseph Priestley, 'pacifist' & Enlightenment hero, supported the French Revolution even after it murdered Lavoisier—his colleague, benefactor & scientific superior. “The Republic has no need of scientists”, said the judge. Priestley raised not the slightest protest. Disgusting.

Hmm, it seems that the quote from the judge is now regarded as apocryphal, though it does represent the anti-intellectual attitude of the authorities. The judge did dismiss pleas that highlighted Lavoisier's scientific importance and value to the Republic.