Who is the father of chemistry? Find the answer here and learn about some of the most influential chemists who have furthered our knowledge in this fascinating field.
Who is considered the father of chemistry? It’s a hotly debated topic and one that has changed over time, but there are some scientists who have made an immense contribution to the science of chemistry that have been heralded through the ages. Learn about them here.
Robert Boyle is often considered the Father of Chemistry.
Robert Boyle is often referred to as the Father of Chemistry due to his formulation of experimentally-based general laws in chemistry. His work ‘The Sceptical Chymist’ was a cornerstone of modern chemistry and details the four elements that make up all material. Additionally, he was one of the first to differentiate between an element and compound, cementing his place as one of the most influential chemists ever.
Antoine Lavoisier developed new laws of chemistry and identified Oxygen, Hydrogen and Carbon.
Antoine Lavoisier was a prominent figure in the Scientific Revolution and is often referred to as the ‘Father of Modern Chemistry’. He was a French nobleman involved in many research projects, including a study of combustion. He discovered that when something burned, it combined with Oxygen from the atmosphere and developed new laws of chemistry based upon his findings. He identified Hydrogen and Carbon as two additional elements were previously thought to be one element. As such, he is credited with introducing the modern version of an element.
Justus von Liebig is known as the Father of Organic Chemistry.
Justus von Liebig was a German chemist who significantly contributed to the development of modern agricultural and applied chemistry. He is credited with establishing inorganic chemistry as an important field of science and laying down its fundamental principles. He identified nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water as the four ingredients that are essential for plant growth. He also established the important principles of organic Chemistry such as structure, resonance and isomerism.
John Dalton discovered the law behind atomic theory and introduced the early ideas of Atoms and Molecules.
John Dalton, an English chemist and physicist, is not just considered the “Father of Chemistry” but he is also known for his major contribution to atomic theory. Dalton’s work with atoms and molecules enabled him to write the first law behind such; he demonstrated that element is made of tiny indivisible particles called atoms. From this discovery developed other important laws involving atomism that are still in use today, forming some of the foundations of modern chemistry.
Friedrich Wöhler synthesized Urea in 1828, disproving the belief that organic compounds could only be extracted from living tissues.
The discovery made by German scientists Friedrich Wöhler in 1828 is known as one of the most important milestones in the history of chemistry. Wöhler successfully synthesized urea, a substance previously thought to only be found in living tissues. This finding disproved many theories that claimed organic compounds could only come from living things and marked an important transition from traditional medicine to modern-day chemistry and biology.
