Main Scientists and their Element Discoveries

  • Robert Boyle

    Widely known to be the first modern chemist, and a pioneer. He wrote his book in 1661, and recorded his findings for the advancement of scientific knowledge.
  • Hennig Brand

    He used urine in his experiments to turn elements into gold. When he had evaporated the urine, what remained was phosphorous. This element is very important and even forms part of the bones and blood. It's found in every cell in our body.
  • Henry Cavendish

    He had isolated and discovered a new element hydrogen by trapping the gas. It is odorless and tasteless. He thought he had discovered phlogiston, because of its flammable nature.
  • Joseph Priestly

    Discovered oxygen when performing and experiment with mercury and mercuric oxide.
  • Antoine Lavoisier

    Thanks to Priestley's findings, Lavoisier used his work to study oxygen more closely. He also helped construct what is now the periodic table of elements.
  • Humphry Davy

    Melted potash to break it down and the used electricity on the molten potash. He discovered potassium.