Bernard Courtois French chemist. Date of Birth: 08.02.1777 Country: France

1. Biography of Bernard Courtois
2. Discovery of Morphine
3. Discovery of Iodine
4. Recognition and Later Life
5. An Alternative Version of the Discovery

Biography of Bernard Courtois

Bernard Courtois was a French chemist who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. He started his career by studying pharmacy and later worked in the laboratories of Furcroy, Tenarre, and Seguin.

Discovery of Morphine

While working at the Seguin laboratory, Courtois conducted research on opium and made the groundbreaking discovery of morphine. This discovery paved the way for further advancements in the understanding and use of this important substance.

Discovery of Iodine

Courtois continued his scientific pursuits and, while working at a nitrate production plant, made another significant discovery. He observed that the boilers used to produce calcium nitrate (which was derived from seaweed ash at that time) were rapidly corroding. Upon further investigation, Courtois identified the cause to be a new element, which he named iodine. In 1811, through distillation of the mother liquors from his calcium nitrate with sulfuric acid, Courtois successfully isolated iodine. It was not until 1813 that J.-L. Gay-Lussac thoroughly studied the element and gave it its modern name.

Recognition and Later Life

Courtois faced financial difficulties due to the importation of Indian saltpeter into France, which led to his bankruptcy. However, his discovery of iodine did not go unnoticed. He was awarded a prize of 6,000 francs by the Paris Academy for his remarkable achievement. Despite his financial struggles, Courtois continued his research on opium until the end of his life.

An Alternative Version of the Discovery

There is another version of the discovery of iodine, which involves Courtois' beloved cat. In his laboratory, Courtois' cat often sat on his shoulder as he worked. One day, the mischievous cat jumped on the table and knocked over two adjacent vessels. One contained a spirit solution of seaweed ash, while the other contained sulfuric acid. The resulting mixture produced a cloud of bluish-violet vapor, which turned out to be iodine.

Overall, Bernard Courtois made significant contributions to the field of chemistry through his discoveries of morphine and iodine. Despite facing financial setbacks, his groundbreaking work continues to be recognized and appreciated in the scientific community.