Joseph Priestley

Joseph Priestley (March 13 1733–February 6 1804) was an English chemist, philosopher, dissenting clergyman, and educator. He is known for his investigations of carbon dioxide and the co-discovery of oxygen.

Early life and education

He was born in Birstall parish, six miles from Leeds, Yorkshire. He learned a variety of languages, both classical and modern, in his youth, including several Semitic languages; he also studied what was then called natural history.

Related Topics:
Birstall - Leeds - Yorkshire - Semitic languages

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In 1751 he entered Daventry, a school under Nonconformist auspices, and there his religious views took shape. He became an adherent of Arianism and a fervent abolitionist. In September, 1755, he started as a parish minister in Needham Market, Suffolk, though he was not officially ordained until May 18, 1762. Because he stammered and the parish was not suited to his heterodox ideas, nor did they want a bachelor for their minister, he was unpopular in his Suffolk parish and he ultimately went to Nantwich, Cheshire. He established a private school in connection with the church in Nantwich where he preached, and derived his income from that school.

Related Topics:
1751 - Daventry - Nonconformist - Arianism - Abolitionist - September - 1755 - May 18 - 1762 - Heterodox - Cheshire

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