Carl Wilhelm Scheele

Chemistry Swedish 1742 – 1786 320 quotes

He independently discovered oxygen and identified several other chemical elements.

Quotes by Carl Wilhelm Scheele

The black powder of charcoal is not a simple element, but contains a volatile acid.

Notes and experiments

The air we breathe is a mixture of at least two different elastic fluids.

Chemical Observations and Experiments on Air and Fire 1777

The 'fire air' (oxygen) is the most active part of the atmosphere, supporting both combustion and life.

Chemical Observations and Experiments on Air and Fire 1777

The 'foul air' (nitrogen) is an inert gas that dilutes the 'fire air'.

Chemical Observations and Experiments on Air and Fire 1777

The acid of prussic acid (hydrocyanic acid) is a deadly poison, yet it can be produced from common substances.

On the Acid of Prussian Blue 1782

Tungsten contains a new metal, which I call 'tungsten' (heavy stone).

On Tungsten 1781

Molybdenum contains a new metal, distinct from lead and graphite.

On Molybdenum 1778

The acid of uric acid is a unique substance found in animal excretions.

On Uric Acid 1776

The acid of gallnuts (gallic acid) is a distinct substance, not merely a modified form of tannic acid.

Notes and experiments

The acid of apples (malic acid) is a unique organic acid.

On the Acid of Apples 1785

The acid of lemons (citric acid) is a distinct substance, not merely a modified form of tartaric acid.

On the Acid of Lemons 1784

The acid of tartaric acid is a unique organic acid, not simply a modified form of vinegar.

On Tartaric Acid 1769

The acid of phosphorus is a distinct substance, not merely a modified form of sulfuric acid.

On Phosphorus and its Acid 1771

The acid of fluorspar (hydrofluoric acid) is a powerful and dangerous substance that can etch glass.

On Fluorspar 1771

The acid of arsenic is a distinct substance, not merely a modified form of sulfuric acid.

On Arsenic and its Acid 1775

The acid of tungstic acid is a distinct substance, not merely a modified form of molybdic acid.

On Tungsten 1781

The acid of molybdic acid is a distinct substance, not merely a modified form of tungstic acid.

On Molybdenum 1778

The acid of chlorine (hypochlorous acid) is a powerful bleaching agent.

On Manganese 1774

The acid of barytes (barium sulfate) is a distinct substance, not merely a modified form of gypsum.

On Barytes 1774

The acid of strontian (strontium sulfate) is a distinct substance, not merely a modified form of barytes.

Notes and experiments