燃素说

phlogiston theory

to persuade

to speak / to say / to explain / to scold / to tell off / a theory (typically the last character in a compound, as in 日心說|日心说 heliocentric theory)

variant of 說|说[shuo1]

to speak; to talk; to say / to explain; to comment / to scold; to tell off / (bound form) theory; doctrine

raw silk / white / plain, unadorned / vegetarian (food) / essence / nature / element / constituent / usually / always / ever

to burn / to ignite / to light / fig. to spark off (hopes) / to start (debate) / to raise (hopes)