SMRTR Science & EngineeringDec 31, 2024Hacker News

Urine Led to the Foundation of Chemistry

SMRTR summary

In 1669, German alchemist Hennig Brand accidentally discovered phosphorus while attempting to produce gold from urine. This discovery led to the creation of matches and helped transform alchemy into modern chemistry, with Robert Boyle refining phosphorus production methods and promoting open sharing of scientific knowledge.

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