Joseph Black
Early Life
Joseph Black was born on April 16, 1728, in Bordeaux, France, to a Scottish father, John Black, and an Irish mother, Margaret Gordon. His father was a successful wine merchant who had relocated to France for business. Black received his early education in Belfast, Ireland, before moving to Scotland to study at the University of Glasgow.
Education
At the University of Glasgow, Black studied medicine, but his interest in chemistry was sparked by the lectures of William Cullen, a renowned physician and chemist. In 1752, he transferred to the University of Edinburgh, where he continued his medical studies while also focusing on chemistry. His doctoral thesis, titled "De humore acido a cibis orto, et magnesia alba" (On the Acid Humour Arising from Food, and Magnesia Alba), was a groundbreaking work in the field of chemistry.
Career and Contributions to Chemistry
After completing his education, Black returned to the University of Glasgow as a lecturer in chemistry. Here, he made his most significant contributions to the field, including the discovery of carbon dioxide, which he called "fixed air". He also conducted pioneering work on heat capacity and latent heat, laying the groundwork for the science of thermodynamics.
Discovery of Carbon Dioxide
Black's discovery of carbon dioxide came about as a result of his research on magnesium carbonate. He observed that when this compound was heated, it produced a gas that was heavier than air and could extinguish a flame. This gas, which he termed "fixed air", is now known as carbon dioxide. Black's work on carbon dioxide was one of the earliest studies on gases and marked a significant advancement in the field of gas chemistry.
Research on Heat
Black's research on heat led to the concepts of latent heat and specific heat capacity. He conducted experiments to measure the amount of heat absorbed or released during changes of state, such as melting or boiling. This led to the concept of latent heat, the heat absorbed or released during a change of state without a change in temperature. Black also introduced the concept of specific heat capacity, the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a substance by a certain amount. His work in this area was instrumental in the development of the field of thermodynamics.
Later Life and Legacy
Black continued his teaching and research at the University of Glasgow until 1766, when he returned to the University of Edinburgh as a professor of medicine and chemistry. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1795. Black passed away on December 6, 1799, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the field of chemistry. His work on gases, heat, and thermodynamics laid the foundation for many future scientific advancements.