The Experiment of 1784

The Experiment of 1784 was a scientific test conducted by scientist Joseph Priestley to understand how gases affect combustion and respiration. He focused on a gas called "inflammable air" (now known as hydrogen), by burning it and observing its properties. Priestley discovered that hydrogen burns quickly and produces water when burned, which challenged existing ideas about air. This experiment helped reveal that water is not an element but forms from gases during combustion. It was crucial in advancing the understanding of chemical reactions, particularly involving gases, laying groundwork for modern chemistry.