(1733-1804)

Joseph Priestley was an English scientist who began his professional career as a minister. During one of Benjamin Franklin's frequent trips to England in 1766, they met and became acquainted. Franklin encouraged Priestley to study the "new" science of electricity. Priestley did just that, and within a year had published the earliest known history of electricity.

Priestley then began more in-depth scientific studies experimenting with different gases and their combustible properties. By 1774 he had isolated what is today known as "oxygen." Priestley called it "dephlogisticated air" (see also: Stahl). He also described and experimented with carbon monoxide.