What is Joseph Priestley usually credited with discovering?

Joseph Priestley is best remembered for his contribution to the chemistry of gases. His lasting reputation in science is founded upon his discovery of oxygen which he made in August 1774. But, during his lifetime, Priestley's considerable scientific reputation rested on his invention of soda water, his writings on electricity, and his discovery of several "airs" (gases), the most famous being what he, Priestley, dubbed "dephlogisticated air" (oxygen).

Priestley died in 1804. At the time, he had been made a member of every major scientific society in the Western world. Some of his colleagues because of his known accomplishments believed that he deserved to called "the father of modern chemistry".

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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12 Comments

Special Patrol Group

Considering we need oxygen to live how did he discover it !!!!

Denise Currie

I knew this as at secondary school we were divided into houses. Sorby, Priestley, Huntsman and Chantry and they were all inventors and I think all were from Yorkshire

geemazz

Come on now. A tad more info would’ve helped.

lady draggon

Given the importance of his discovery this is a very short answer with not much info.

Glynis Rix

Denise Currie, good choice for the four houses!

John W Shreve

Special Patrol Group, Priestley’s experimental success resulted predominantly from his ability to design ingenious apparatuses and his skill in their manipulation. Dephlogisticated air, independently co-discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele.

Leslie Clive Bedford

Special Patrol Group, Oxygen’s components and composition.

Louella Wilson

Among many things discovered by Priestly, was how to isolate oxygen, which he called "dephlogisticated air". Those with any knowledge of science history will know that "phlogiston" was needed for burning a substance. His work put an end to that theory.