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Jan Baptiste van Helmont, Belgian chemist
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Jan Baptiste van Helmont, Belgian chemist
Jan Baptiste van Helmont (1579-1644), Belgian doctor and chemist. Van Helmonts work was part of the transition from alchemy to experimental chemistry. He invented the word gas (from Greek chaos). He identified carbon dioxide and monoxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. He was the first to use the boiling and freezing points of water as standards for temperature. In medicine, he used remedies specific to the disease, the affected organ, and the causative agent. He showed that acid is the digestive agent in the stomach. He realised that matter is indestructible and that metals dissolved in acid can be recovered
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Media ID 6306669
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
17th Century Alchemist Belgian Chemist Doctor Experimental Forties Physician Scientist Surname H Experimenter Health Care Helmont Physical
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the esteemed Jan Baptiste van Helmont, a renowned Belgian chemist and doctor who made significant contributions to the field of experimental chemistry. Van Helmont played a crucial role in transitioning from alchemy to more scientific approaches in chemistry. His groundbreaking work led him to coin the term "gas" derived from the Greek word chaos. He also identified various gases such as carbon dioxide and monoxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, expanding our understanding of their properties and behavior. Moreover, Van Helmont's brilliance extended beyond chemistry into medicine. He developed specific remedies tailored to different diseases, affected organs, and causative agents. Notably, he discovered that acid serves as the digestive agent in the stomach. In addition to his remarkable discoveries in both fields, Van Helmont recognized that matter is indestructible and demonstrated how metals dissolved in acid can be recovered—an invaluable insight for future research. This historical illustration portrays a distinguished man with an air of wisdom—a testament to Van Helmont's immense intellect and contribution to science. His work continues to inspire generations of scientists today as we build upon his foundations in experimental chemistry and medical knowledge.
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