December 22, 1828- Death of William Hyde Wollaston, inventor of the platinum process that allowed him to discover palladium and rhodium

Physician who changed his profession to chemistry, crystallography, metallurgy and physics.

Cámara lúcida de Wollaston

Among his great contributions to science, the following stand out:

  • He developed a physicochemical method for processing platinum ore that led to handsome profits and the discovery of palladium and rhodium.
  • He experimented with electricity laying the foundation for the design of the electric motor.
  • He invented a zinc battery.
  • He observed the dark lines of the solar spectrum that allowed the elements in the sun to be discovered.
  • He did work on the hypsometer.
  • He invented various optical devices: camera lucida, reflecting goniometer, meniscus lens, etc.
  • He invented the Cryophorus.

If you want to know more about this scientist, his achievements and his life, click on the following link: William Hyde Wollaston

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