Joseph Priestley

Joseph Priestley was an 18th-century scientist and theologian known for his pioneering work in chemistry. He discovered several gases, including oxygen, which he called "dephlogisticated air." Priestley's experiments demonstrated that plants produce oxygen, a vital component of the air we breathe. He also explored the properties of other gases, contributing to the understanding of combustion and respiration. His work laid important groundwork for later scientists, including Antoine Lavoisier, who would further develop the science of chemistry. Priestley’s findings helped to change how we understand gases and the role they play in life and the environment.