John Dalton is recognized for initiating the modern atomic hypothesis.
While the concept of atoms dates back to ancient philosophers like Democritus, it was not until the 1800s that the idea gained scientific traction. According to the provided reference, John Dalton (1766-1844), a chemist, "really started the modern atomic hypothesis."
Here's a breakdown:
- Ancient Philosophers: The idea of indivisible particles (atoms) was first proposed by ancient Greek philosophers.
- John Dalton's Contribution: Dalton formalized the atomic theory based on experimental evidence, making it a cornerstone of modern chemistry.
Therefore, while the idea of atoms existed earlier, Dalton's work provided a scientific basis for the atomic theory as we understand it today.
