Scientist Boyle Robert: Biography, Research

Boyle Robert is a scientist, ahead of his time for many centuries. He was not only a physicist, but also engaged in chemistry, and even theology. Today it seems that these are incompatible occupations. But for the 17th century, in which Boyle lived and worked, it was a normal phenomenon. At that time a person could not be considered educated if he did not master the basics of theology.

Robert Boyle: biography of the early period

The scientist was born in a noble, well-to-do family, but he could not be the heir of his father's property, being the seventh son. Father, nevertheless, loved the child and did everything to provide him with a good education. Robert Boyle, whose biography is full of similar events, went to study at Eton University. There he studied natural science and medicine. The choice of direction was not accidental - at that time it practically guaranteed a decent post in the future. After graduation, he returned to one of his father's estates. Boyle Robert traveled a lot. In 12 years with his brother they embarked on a journey through Europe, which lasted 6 years. The scientist returned only when he learned of his father's death.

Boyle Robert and his life in Oxford

Moving to Stolbridge, he for several years led a quiet life, studying theology and philosophy.

After a while the scientist decides to go to Oxford to study chemistry and physics and further work on these areas. In Oxford, he became a member of the "Invisible Board", and it is thanks to him that the Royal Society of London appears. Twenty years later, in 1680, Boyle Robert was even elected president of the society, but refused an honorary post. After 5 years, the scientist is awarded a doctorate in physics. Using the money that he inherited, he opens the laboratory and collaborates with many famous physicists of the 17th century.

The discoverer physicist

1660 - a turning point in the life of a scientist. At this time he was studying the works of O. Gerike and wanted to repeat his experiments, which he soon did. He not only built an air pump, but also discovered one of the fundamental physical laws, according to which, the change in the volume of gaseous matter is in inverse proportion to the pressure.

That is, it was now possible to accurately calculate the volumes of gaseous substances. It is noteworthy that the same law was discovered by Mariott, and quite independently of Boyle. In modern physics, it appears as the Boyle-Mariott Act. He was a man who substantiated experimental methods of research not only in physics, but also in chemistry. Boyle did a great deal of work in the field of atomistic theory. For him, experience was the criterion and indicator of truth, as for Bacon, whose work Boyle referred to.

One of the directions of Boyle's work is the creation of a perpetual motion machine. This idea occupied the minds of many scientists. As Robert Boyle believed, the perpetual motion machine is real. The water cycle in nature is the best example. In his opinion, it is possible due to the action of capillary forces, which can be used to create perpetual motion. According to the scientist's plan, if the length of the capillary is small, then the liquid that rises on it will pour back into the vessel below.

Chemist-skeptic

Robert Boyle, whose contribution to chemistry can not be overemphasized, published many scientific works related to this science. The "skeptic chemist" is the most famous of his works. In it, Boyle Robert successfully refutes the fundamental doctrine of Aristotle and the doctrine of the "Three Principles", which was followed by the alchemists. They believed that everything in the world consists of mercury, sulfur and salt. Boyle has proved that this is far from the case. In his opinion, chemistry is a self-sufficient science. It is not limited to one attempt to turn metal into gold, but must study the properties of metals and be on guard for human health. Despite the outstanding discoveries, the scientist could not find peace of mind. He, as a believing person, was confused by the fact that he can not explain many of the phenomena encountered during the experiments.

He was the first to use the concept of "analysis of the composition of bodies" and introduced it into the chemical science. He studied the quantitative results of firing various metals, burning, and so on. 1663 was the year of the first ever application of indicators in the history of science to determine alkalis and acids. Boyle also received phosphorus as a result of his independent experiments. The scientist described the properties of the new substance, indicating its ability to glow, solubility, odor and color.

This was the beginning of analytical chemistry as a separate branch of chemical knowledge.

Theology as salvation for the soul

Boyle Robert thought he was doing something wicked, doing experiments and getting results that neither he nor the leading minds can explain. He hoped to find salvation in the faith and save his soul. His desire was so strong that he independently learned Aramaic and Greek. The last will of the scientist was to give all his acquired fortune on the development of science in the UK.