The 250th Anniversary of Joseph Priestley's Discovery of Oxygen

Explore a fascinating historical lecture commemorating the 250th anniversary of Joseph Priestley's groundbreaking discovery of oxygen in 1774. Delve into the circumstances and key events leading to Priestley's identification of what he termed "dephlogisticated air," while examining the influential figures who supported his work and the significant location where this revolutionary discovery took place. Learn about Priestley's extensive written documentation of his experiments, including detailed records of his methodologies, theoretical foundations, and experimental narratives. Examine the specialized apparatus Priestley employed, his procurement methods, and his systematic approach to testing and characterizing the gases he produced. Discover various monuments and commemorative sites dedicated to Priestley's legacy across the United Kingdom and beyond. The lecture concludes with a supplementary presentation featuring photographs of Priestley's birthplace in Fieldhead, West Yorkshire, including comparative analysis with 19th-century engravings that provide insights into the historical context of his early life.