Oxygen
Isolated in 1774; one of its independent discoverers.
Connection to todayAn essential medicine in modern respiratory care.
Read the evidenceBeyond oxygen · Joseph Priestley’s scientific work
A whole chemistry of air.
Pneumatic chemistry means the experimental study of gases. Priestley helped turn “air” into something that could be collected, compared and tested: different gases, with different properties. His work reached across chemistry, electricity, plant life and practical invention.
These discoveries and experiments belong to the history behind today’s medical gases, fertilisers, chemical manufacturing and atmospheric science. Modern applications were developed by many people over subsequent generations.
Nitrous oxide
Prepared and investigated as a distinct gas.
Connection to todayCombined with oxygen in Entonox for pain relief during labour and procedures.
Read the evidenceAmmonia
Isolated gaseous ammonia, extending knowledge of a substance known in solution.
Connection to todayA foundation of nitrogen fertilisers and food production; industrial synthesis came later.
Read the evidenceCarbon monoxide
Prepared and investigated in his gas experiments.
Connection to todayUsed with hydrogen as synthesis gas in methanol manufacturing.
Read the evidenceNitrogen oxides
Studied nitric oxide and its reactions with air.
Connection to todayHis nitrous-air test helped make air composition measurable.
Read the evidenceSulfur dioxide
Isolated and studied the gas.
Connection to todayAdvanced experimental knowledge of sulfur compounds and reactive gases.
Read the evidenceSilicon tetrafluoride
Identified among the gases credited to his experimental programme.
Connection to todayContributed to the developing chemistry of silicon and fluorine compounds.
Read the evidenceHydrogen chloride
Isolated the gaseous form of hydrochloric acid.
Connection to todayHelped distinguish a gas from its aqueous solution.
Read the evidenceCarbonated water
Developed a method of dissolving carbon dioxide in water.
Connection to todayA foundation of artificially carbonated drinks; carbon dioxide itself was already known.
Read the evidenceRestoration of air by plants
Showed that plants could restore air affected by combustion or respiration.
Connection to todayA foundational observation for later photosynthesis research.
Read the evidenceElectrostatics
Investigated electrical phenomena and argued for an inverse-square relationship.
Connection to todayContributed to the development of electrostatics.
Read the evidenceErasing pencil marks
Published an early account of rubber removing pencil marks.
Connection to todayAn everyday use of natural materials in writing and education.
Read the evidenceDiscoveries, gas isolation, experiments and practical applications are distinguished here; historical priority is sometimes shared. Educational charts and other writings are available in the Joseph Priestley bibliography.