Science, Tech, Math › Science Who Is the Father of Chemistry? It depends on whom you ask Print SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images Science Chemistry Famous Chemists Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on February 24, 2020 Who is the father of chemistry? Here is a look at the best answers to this question and the reasons why each of these people may be considered to be the father of chemistry, depending on whom you ask. Read More Biography of John Dalton, the 'Father of Chemistry' By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Several "Fathers of Chemistry" If you are asked to identify the father of chemistry, your best answer probably is Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, who wrote the book, "Elements of Chemistry," in 1787. He compiled the first complete—at that time—list of elements, discovered and named oxygen and hydrogen, helped develop the metric system, helped revise and standardize chemical nomenclature, and discovered that matter retains its mass even when it changes forms. Another popular choice for the title of father of chemistry is Jabir ibn Hayyan, a Persian alchemist living around 800 who applied scientific principles to his studies. Other people sometimes known as the father of modern chemistry are Robert Boyle, Jöns Berzelius, and John Dalton. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Who Is the Father of Chemistry?" ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/father-of-chemistry-607744. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 27). Who Is the Father of Chemistry? Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/father-of-chemistry-607744 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Who Is the Father of Chemistry?" ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/father-of-chemistry-607744 (accessed April 25, 2024). copy citation