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Hennig BrandHe is believed to have discovered phosphorus in 1669.
Country:
 Germany |
Content:
- Henrich Brand and His Legacy: The Discovery of Phosphorus
- Military Service and Transition to Alchemy
- Prosperous Merchant and Alchemist
- Discovery of Phosphorus
- Failed Alchemy and Commercial Success
- Independent Discoveries and Improved Methods
- Legacy and Impact
Henrich Brand and His Legacy: The Discovery of Phosphorus
Early Life and BackgroundHenrich Brand's origins remain shrouded in mystery. Various sources speculate about his humble beginnings as a glassblower's apprentice or his higher social status that afforded him the means to pursue alchemy. Despite the uncertainty, it is known that he was born and resided in Hamburg, Germany.
Military Service and Transition to Alchemy
During the Thirty Years' War, Brand served as a common soldier. However, recognizing the perils of battle, he declared himself a physician and immersed himself in the world of alchemy. Lacking wealthy patrons, his alchemical pursuits yielded little success.
Prosperous Merchant and Alchemist
Brand abandoned alchemy and turned to commerce, where his fortunes soared. As a prosperous merchant, he amassed enough wealth to acquire equipment for his beloved pastime: the pursuit of alchemical gold. He married twice, and his second wife's financial stability further supported his experiments.
Discovery of Phosphorus
In 1669, while searching for the philosopher's stone, Brand made a groundbreaking discovery. Believing that "primordial matter" resided in human urine, he collected numerous barrels from local barracks. Through a meticulous process involving evaporation, distillation, and calcination, he isolated a substance that glowed in the dark. Overjoyed, he named it "phosphorus," meaning "light-bringer."
Failed Alchemy and Commercial Success
Brand's attempts to transmute phosphorus (or other substances using phosphorus) into gold proved unsuccessful. Undeterred, he found a lucrative venture in selling phosphorus, demanding a price higher than gold itself, while keeping its secret production method hidden. However, fearing the inevitable exposure of his secret, he sold the technique to Daniel Kraft, a Dresden chemist, for 200 thalers.
Independent Discoveries and Improved Methods
Subsequently, phosphorus was independently isolated by Johann Kunckel, another German chemist. Robert Boyle also made a notable contribution by describing the process in his article "A way to make Phosphorus from humane Urine," published in 1693. In 1743, Andreas Marggraf published an improved method for obtaining phosphorus.
Legacy and Impact
Henrich Brand's discovery of phosphorus had a profound impact on science and technology. It paved the way for advancements in chemistry, physics, and medicine. Phosphorus became an essential element in various industrial applications, including match production and fertilizers. Brand's legacy as a pioneer in the field of chemistry continues to inspire scientists and researchers to this day.
