Phlogiston theory

The phlogiston theory once put forward the belief that there was a fire-like element called phlogiston inside combustible bodies which was released during combustion. When the substances burned, the phlogiston escaped leaving a solid ash called calx. This theory explained why the mass after burning fuels was less than the original mass.

The theory was first suggested in 1667 by Johann Joachim Becher, but was dismissed at the end of the 18th century following further experiments by Antoine Lavoisier and others.

Careful experiments that measured the masses of gasses showed that the phlogiston theory was wrong. This led to the discovery of oxygen. However, some scientists continued to believe in phlogiston. They thought this explained the heat and light given off in combustion reactions. Today we see this as evidence of the transfer of energy to the surroundings.

Phlogiston Theory Media

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  The alchemist and physician J. J. Becher proposed the phlogiston theory.

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  • Georg Ernst Stahl. Line engraving, 1715. Iconographic Collections*Keywords: portrait prints; Georg Ernst Stahl; engravings
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  Torbern Bergman's alchemical symbol for phlogiston