John Dalton
Chemist, physicist, meteorologist, but British
Background Information
Experimental design
- Henry, William C. (1854). Memoirs of the Life and Scientific Researches of John Dalton. London: Cavendish Society. Retrieved 24 December 2007.
Evidence that lead to the change
Dalton's interest in atmospheric pressures eventually led him to a closer examination of gases. While studying the nature and chemical makeup of air in the early 1800s, Dalton learned that it was not a chemical solvent, as other scientists had believed. Instead it was a mechanical system composed of small individual particles that used pressure applied by each gas independently. Through experimenting with various chemical reactions, he determined they were indeed made up of atoms. http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/lindabennett1/502/dalton.html
Dalton's Atomic Model
Dalton's series of experiments with gasses led him to his theory that gasses combined in fixed ratios dependent on their atomic weight. This became the basis for all of his atomic theories.
http://www.universetoday.com/38169/john-daltons-atomic-model/
Interesting Facts
- He was colorblind
- He could only see the color yellow
- Published the atomic weights for hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, sulfur, and phosphorous
- He proved that colorblindness was hereditary