CHEMISTS A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z           HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site Priestley, Joseph (1733–1804) English chemist and theologian. Encouraged and supported by Benjamin Franklin, he wrote The History and Present State of Electricity (1767). His most important discovery was that of oxygen (1774; named by Lavoisier), whose properties he investigated. However, he never abandoned the phlogiston theory of combustion. He later discovered many other gases – ammonia, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide – and found that green plants require sunlight and give off oxygen. He coined the name rubber. His association in the 1780s with the Lunar Society brought him into contact with scientists such as James Watt and Erasmus Darwin. Priestley's theological writings and activity were important in leading the English Presbyterians into Unitarianism; indeed he is regarded as a principle architect of the Unitarian Church. Hostile opinion over this and his support of the French Revolution led to his emigration United States (1794). Related category    • CHEMISTS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP