Joseph Priestly

Joseph Priestley was a British scientist and philosopher in the 18th century, famous for discovering oxygen in 1774. He found that a specific form of air, later called oxygen, was essential for combustion and respiration. Priestley also contributed to understanding gases and their properties, as well as supporting ideas about electricity and chemistry. His work helped lay the foundations for modern chemistry, transforming how we understand the air we breathe and the chemical processes in nature. Beyond science, he was involved in political and religious debates of his time, advocating for religious tolerance and liberty.