The Sceptical Chymist

"The Sceptical Chymist," published in 1661 by Robert Boyle, is a foundational work in chemistry that challenges traditional views of elements and substances. Boyle questions the idea that matter is made up of four basic elements—earth, air, fire, and water—and emphasizes that substances are composed of smaller, more specific particles. He advocates for a experimental and analytical approach to understanding matter, moving away from mystical explanations. This work helped establish chemistry as a scientific discipline rooted in observation and experimentation, shaping modern scientific methods.