The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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While working at a London hospital, Ingen Housz became an expert in the technique of preventing smallpox by inoculation. Treatment at that time used a hazardous live virus instead of today's safer vaccine. In 1768, he traveled to Vienna, Austria, to inoculate Austria's royal family. His treatment was so successful that he was appointed court physician and awarded a lifetime income, which he used to finance independent research.
After returning to England in the late 1770s, Ingen Housz began the experiments that led to his discovery of photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into food. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. Respiration is essentially the reverse process--oxygen is used up and carbon dioxide is released. Inspired by Joseph Priestley's research on oxygen, Ingen Housz learned that only the green parts of plants can revitalize air that has been depleted of oxygen, and they do so only in the presence of sunlight. This was the first indication of light's role in plant life. He also discovered that only the visible light of the sun, not its heat, is necessary for photosynthesis. Ingen Housz's research additionally proved that respiration occurs in all parts of the plant, including its roots and flowers. He later discovered that plants produce much more oxygen than they use up, and, subsequently, that animal and plant life are naturally balanced in a system of mutual support.
Ingen Housz also broke new ground in physics and chemistry. For example, he improved phosphorus matches, invented a hydrogen-fueled lighter, and mixed an explosive propellant for firing pistols.