John Dalton
John Dalton (6 September 1766–27 July 1844) was a British chemist and physicist. He was born in Cumberland to a Quaker family. He is best known for his discoveries in atomic theory. He also made the first important studies of color blindness.
Dalton's atomic theory
Dalton's Atomic theory is a scientific theory about atoms. Dalton made the theory to explain why the elements would combine in certain ways[1] The idea of atoms was already known at the time, but not widely accepted. Dalton's theory of atoms was based on actual observation. Before this, ideas about atoms were based more on philosophy.
His theory stated that:
- Everything is made from atoms
- Atoms cannot be divided
- Atoms can not be made or destroyed
- Chemical reactions are made when atoms are moved around, put with other atoms or taken away from a group of other atoms
- Atoms of the same element are the same, because they have the same atomic mass.
- Atoms can only be joined in special ratios (see Law of definite composition)
Further readings
- Claus Bernet: John Dalton (1766-1844), in: Biographisches-bibliographisches Kirchenlexikon, 31, 2010, 309-332.
John Dalton Media
Historical plaque marking birthplace of John Dalton
Modern plaque marking birthplace of John Dalton
1793 copy of Dalton's first publication, "Meteorological Observations and Essays"
Profile of John Dalton
Various atoms and molecules as depicted in John Dalton's A New System of Chemical Philosophy (1808)
Dalton in later life by Thomas Phillips, National Portrait Gallery, London (1835)
Bust of Dalton by Chantrey, 1854
Statue of Dalton by Chantrey
1793 copy of Dalton's "Meteorological Observations and Essays"
First page of "Meteorological Observations and Essays"
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References
- ↑ Latscha, Hans Peter (2011). Allgemeine Chemie - Chemie-Basiswissen I. Springer. p. 3. ISBN 978-3-642-17522-0.
Other websites
- John Dalton -Citizendium