Joseph Priestley was a minister, teacher and scientist who never stopped experimenting. In 1774, using a large lens to focus sunlight on a red mercury powder, he produced a gas that made a candle blaze and kept a mouse alive far longer than normal air. He had discovered oxygen. He also identified several other gases and invented fizzy soda water. His support for religious freedom made him enemies, and in 1791 a mob burned his Birmingham home and laboratory. He emigrated to America in 1794.
Joseph Priestley
Oxygen Discoverer
EXTRA-ORDINARY TRAIT
ENERGY
JFDI PILLAR
D — DRIVE
COUNTRY & REGION
England (UK & Ireland)
LIFESPAN
1733 – 1804
GENDER
Man
EDITION
No.042
✦ DEFINING MOMENT
Holding the great burning lens he used to focus sunlight in his 1774 oxygen experiment.
✦ ARCHIVAL DOSSIER
The Story
✦ DID YOU KNOW?
He gave rubber its name, after finding it could rub out pencil marks.
✦ YOUR TURN
What experiment would you run tomorrow if you stopped waiting to be sure?