The Dhaka Times Desk John Dalton was the first to show that atom is the smallest particle of matter scientifically and logically in modern human society. Dalton's atomism led the way for this technological advancement in today's world.
The ancient Indian philosopher Kanada first propounded atomism or particleism. He said every substance is made up of microscopic particles. He named it atom. The Greek philosopher Democritus also spoke of the divisibility of matter. In fact, these doctrines of theirs were philosophical doctrines. There, philosophy prevailed over basic science, imagination over logic. Atomism was first presented scientifically by John Dalton.
On September 6, 1766, John Dalton was born in the village of Iggsfield, England. His early education began in the village, and he learned Greek and Latin as a child. He was born color blind. He was admitted to the college for higher education due to the intense attraction of science and mathematics. He obtained a higher degree from there. After receiving an MSc in science, he joined the University of Manchester as a professor. Here he made his debut as a researcher. At the beginning of his studies, he was interested in meteorology, so he recorded the daily weather, wind speed and barometric pressure.
He started researching gaseous substances from the inclination of meteorology. In 1800 he published the gas volume formula and the gas volume formula. With the publication of the two formulas, there was a response in the scientific community and he became famous as a chemical scientist. While researching on gases, he thought about the structure of matter. From there the famous doctrine called 'Atomism' was born. He states “Every elemental substance is composed of innumerable tiny indivisible particles. These particles can neither be broken nor formed. He named it atom or atom. Atoms of the same element are alike in religion and mass but atoms of different elements are different in religion and mass”.
This atomism of Dalton is inconsistent with modern chemistry but it paved the way for modern chemistry. As a result, he is called the founder of modern chemistry. He was the first to give the concept of atomic symbol and atomic mass. Dalton also revealed which gases can be turned into liquids at high pressures and low temperatures. This is known as the gas liquefaction formula. It has a strong role in modern industry.
Interestingly, red-green color blindness is called “daltonism” in medical science. Dalton said that his eyes lacked the receptor cells for red-green color due to genetics. Later, genetic analysis of his eyes proved the truth of the matter. The prestigious Royal Society of London awarded him an honorary fellowship in 1826 in recognition of his contributions to chemistry. On July 26, 1844, this great scientist passed away in Manchester, England.
Reference: Biography
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