Scottish physicist and chemist (1728–1799)
The man who gave science carbon dioxide, latent heat, and magnesium — three discoveries that cracked open how matter behaves when it changes state or burns.
Joseph Black was born 16 April 1728 in Scotland and built his career between two cities. He taught anatomy and chemistry at the University of Glasgow for ten years starting in 1756, then moved to the University of Edinburgh in 1766 as professor of medicine and chemistry, holding the chair for more than three decades. His experimental work isolated magnesium, identified carbon dioxide as a distinct gas, and introduced the concepts of latent heat and specific heat — ideas that explained why ice melts at a constant temperature and why different materials warm at different rates. He died 6 Decembe…
Sourced, dated quotes from Joseph Black
Most Honrd SirYour most affectionate letter of the 8th Aprill shews you in such a light as must warm the heart of a son with the highest degree of gratitude and affection.
In my last letter to you I proposed to go immediately to London to spend some time in the Hospitals there.
I have now studied the Theory of medicine & have likewise been taught every thing upon the Practice which can be learned in a College.
I do not imagine that Mr. Black's researches at this time (or perhaps at any time) have been keen or pertinacious.
[I]t was with the object of discovering a "milder alkali," and bringing it into the service of medicine, that Black began his experiments on magnesia. They are described in...
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