CH3 HOM Timeline

By CHM130
  • 1526

    1526 Paracelsus challenges the orthodox beliefs of his time, proposing the world composed of three elements and setting off a movement that would change orthodox beliefs

    1526 Paracelsus challenges the common belief, which had been the standard from antiquity, that everything was made of earth, fire, water, and air. He proposes the world's composed of three elements: Salt, Sulfur, and Mercury.

  • 1669, Hennig Brand discovers phosphorus in urine

    While trying to extract gold from the body through urine, Brand discovers phosphorus

  • 1677 Robert Boyle studies the properties of Phosphorus, begins the Era of Element hunters, writes the "Skeptical Chemist" which signifies the turn from alchemy to chemistry

    Boyle conducts an experiment to test the properties of phosphorus, finding its flammability and spanning the ultimate creation of the match.

  • 1766, Henry Cavendish discovers Hydrogen, studies almost disproved the belief of water as an element

    Cavendish discovers "Inflammable Air" believing it to be Phlogiston.

  • 1774 Joseph Priestley discovers oxygen

    During one of his experiments, Priestley isolates oxygen.

  • 1778, Antoine Lavoisier recognizes Oxygen which disproves the theory of phlogiston, defines the meaning of an element, creates a universal language used to name chemicals

    Through the repetition of Priestley's experiment with Oxygen, Lavoisier recognizes the contradiction Phlogiston poses to the findings.

  • 1807 Humphrey Davy discovers Potassium

    Humphrey Davy
    Harnesses electricity to break caustic chemical Potash, discovering potassium.