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Helmont, Jan Baptista van

Helmont, Jan Baptista van

This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor: Peter Saundry

Jan Baptista van Helmont (1580-1644), a Belgian chemist, physiologist, and physician, recognized the existence of discrete gases and first identified carbon dioxide. Helmont was the first to recognize the existence of gases distinct from atmospheric air and the first to use the term “gas.” He determined that the gas given off by burning charcoal is the same as that given off by fermenting grape juice. He called it spiritus silvestre (“wild spirit”), now known as carbon dioxide.

Further Reading
Energy Luminaries-Helmont (National Science Teacher Association)
John Baptista van Helmont (Creighton University)

Citation

Cutler J. Cleveland (Lead Author);Peter Saundry (Topic Editor) "Helmont, Jan Baptista van". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth September 7, 2006; Last revised Date September 7, 2006; Retrieved June 18, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Helmont,_Jan_Baptista_van>

The Author

Cutler J. Cleveland Cutler J. Cleveland  is Professor of Earth and Environment at Boston University, where he also is on the faculty of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies. Professor Cleveland is Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Energy (Elsevier, 2004), winner of an American Library Association award, the Dictionary of Energy (Elsevier, 2005), Handbook of Energy (Elsevier, forthcoming), and is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Earth.  He is the recipient of the Adelma ... (Full Bio)

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