 |
Encyclopediaphlogiston theoryphlogiston theory (flōjis'ton) [key], hypothesis regarding combustion. The theory, advanced by J. J. Becher late in the 17th cent. and extended and popularized by G. E. Stahl, postulates that in all flammable materials there is present phlogiston, a substance without color, odor, taste, or weight that is given off in burning. “Phlogisticated” substances are those that contain phlogiston and, on being burned, are “dephlogisticated.” The ash of the burned material is held to be the true material. The theory received strong and wide support throughout a large part of the 18th cent. until it was refuted by the work of A. L. Lavoisier, who revealed the true nature of combustion. Joseph Priestley, however, defended the theory throughout his lifetime. Henry Cavendish remained doubtful, but most other chemists of the period, including C. L. Berthollet, rejected it. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. More on phlogiston theory from Infoplease:
- Georg Ernst Stahl - Stahl, Georg Ernst Stahl, Georg Ernst , 1660–1734, German physician and chemist. He taught ...
- Antoine Laurent Lavoisier - Lavoisier, Antoine Laurent Lavoisier, Antoine Laurent , 1743–94, French chemist and ...
- Joseph Priestley - Priestley, Joseph Priestley, Joseph, 1733–1804, English theologian and scientist. He prepared ...
- March 13 Birthdays: Joseph Priestley - March 13 birthdays: Joseph Priestley, William H. Macy, William Casey, Percival Lowell
- chemistry: History of Chemistry - History of Chemistry The earliest practical knowledge of chemistry was concerned with metallurgy, ...
|
|
