1728-1799

Scottish Chemist, Physicist and Physician

Joseph Black is best known for his work with gases, alkaline substances, and heat, including the development of the concepts of latent heat and specific heat. His groundbreaking work in the quantitative study of chemical reactions places him among the founders of modern chemistry.

Joseph Black was born in France. His father, who was of Scottish descent, was a wine merchant. He received his early education in Belfast, Ireland, and completed advanced studies in chemistry and medicine at the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland. He was appointed professor of chemistry and anatomy at the University of Glasgow in 1756 and subsequently was given the chair of medicine. He became professor of chemistry at Edinburgh University in 1766 and remained in that position until his death. He was a dedicated and thorough researcher and a very popular lecturer, attracting nonscientists as...