Robert Boyle is credited with renaming the field to "chemistry." While the word's origins trace back to ancient Egypt or Greece, Boyle's 1661 treatise, The Sceptical Chymist, solidified the shift from "chymistry" to "chemistry." He's also renowned for Boyle's Law.
The Evolution of the Name
- Ancient Roots: The term "chemistry" has roots in either ancient Egypt or Greece, as noted by science historian Howard Markel in an NPR article. Science Diction: The Origin Of 'Chemistry' : NPR
- Boyle's Contribution: Robert Boyle's The Sceptical Chymist marked a significant turning point. He is widely recognized for formalizing the transition from the older term, "chymistry," to the modern "chemistry." [And in fact, Robert Boyle wrote a 1661 treatice called "The Sceptical Chymist," and he renamed the field chemistry. And he's known for a lot of things, best known for Boyle's Law, the universally proportional relationship between the absolute pressure and volume of gas.26-Aug-2011]
Many modern chemists, departments, and awards bear the name, highlighting the field's ongoing evolution and impact. Examples include:
- The Penn State Department of Chemistry naming Kenneth Knappenberger Jr. as its head. Knappenberger named chemistry department head | Eberly College ...
- Shannon Boettcher receiving the Blavatnik National Award for Young Scientists. UO chemist named Blavatnik laureate | UO Research and Innovation
- Western Illinois University's chemistry program being recognized for its contributions to women in STEM. WIU Chemistry Named Top Program for Women in STEM - WIU News
