JAN BAPTIST VAN HELMONT

BIRTH AND DEATH

Birth: 1/1/1577     Death: 12/30/1644

OCCUPATION

scientist

BIOGRAPHY SUMMARY

Jan Baptist van Helmont was a chemist, physiologist, and physician from Brussels. He worked during the years just after Paracelsus and the rise of iatrochemistry, and is sometimes considered to be the founder of pneumatic chemistry. Van Helmont is remembered today largely for his 5-year willow tree experiment, his introduction of the word gas into the vocabulary of science, and his ideas on spontaneous generation.

NOTABLE WORK

WHY THEY MATTER

Jan Baptist van Helmont was intellectually unique for his pioneering work in pneumatic chemistry, particularly through his introduction of the term gas into scientific discourse. He was also known for his groundbreaking experimental approach, such as the willow tree experiment which demonstrated the concept of plant nutrition. Additionally, van Helmont's ideas on spontaneous generation challenged prevailing beliefs of his time and contributed to the advancement of scientific thought in the fields of chemistry and biology.

FAMOUS QUOTE

WIKIPEDIA PAGE

Wikipedia Page