the revolution that began in France in 1789, overthrew the absolutemonarchy of the French royal family and the system of aristocratic privileges, and ended with Napoleon's seizure of power in 1799. During this time a French physician, Joseph Guillotin, devised a machine for beheading people quickly and with minimal pain. It used a large falling knife blade and was called (afterits inventor) the guillotine. This was used during the French Revolution and was the official method of execution in France until the twentieth century. —SHSBC Binder 22 Approved Glossary