Contents
John Dalton
Developing an atomic theory that explained how elements combine in fixed proportions.
Meteorological Observations · Partial pressures
- Born
- September 1766
- Birthplace
- Cumberland, England
- Died
- 27 July 1844
More people
John Dalton
John Dalton was an English chemist, teacher and weather observer. His atomic model helped turn chemical composition into a subject that could be calculated and compared.
Early life
Quaker childhood
Grew up in a modest family; his father was a weaver.
Early teaching
Began earning his living as a teacher while still young.
Career
- 1793
Manchester
Moved to teach and joined its scientific community.
- 1801–1803
Gases and atoms
Developed his gas-pressure law and atomic ideas.
- 1808
Chemical philosophy
Published the first volume of his major account of atomic theory.
- 1822
Royal Society
Was elected a Fellow.
Contributions
Meteorological Observations
A book drawing on his weather studies.
Partial pressures
Explained how gases contribute separately to a mixture’s pressure.
A New System of Chemical Philosophy
Presented his atomic framework.
Beyond chemistry
Colour vision
Studied his own colour blindness, a condition sometimes called Daltonism.
Walking
Made regular excursions to the Lake District.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Biography and career evidence ↗Photo: Thomas Phillips. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
