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.
Cutler 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 May 23, 2012 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Helmont,_Jan_Baptista_van>
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The Encyclopedia of Earth Cutler J. Cleveland is the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Earth. Dr. Cleveland is currently a Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at Boston University, with joint appointments in the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies and the Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer Range Future. He also is a Senior Fellow at the National Council for Science and the Environment in Washington D.C. Dr. Cleveland is als ... (Full Bio)
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.
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