# Daniel Rutherford

> British physician, chemist, botanist and physicist (1749–1819)

**Wikidata**: [Q313067](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313067)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Rutherford)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/daniel-rutherford

## Summary
Daniel Rutherford was a British physician, chemist, botanist, and physicist (1749–1819) best known for his discovery of nitrogen in 1772. A key figure in 18th-century science, he conducted pioneering research in chemistry and botany while affiliated with the University of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

## Biography
- **Born**: November 3, 1749, in Edinburgh, Scotland
- **Nationality**: British
- **Education**: Studied at the University of Edinburgh
- **Known for**: Discovery of nitrogen (1772), contributions to chemistry and botany
- **Employer(s)**: University of Edinburgh
- **Field(s)**: Chemistry, botany, physics, medicine

## Contributions
- **Discovery of Nitrogen (1772)**: Rutherford isolated nitrogen by removing oxygen and carbon dioxide from air, proving it was a distinct gas. This work was foundational to modern chemistry.
- **Botanical Research**: Conducted studies in plant physiology, contributing to the understanding of photosynthesis and plant respiration.
- **Academic Leadership**: Served as a professor at the University of Edinburgh, mentoring future scientists and advancing experimental methods.

## FAQs
**What did Daniel Rutherford discover?**
Rutherford discovered nitrogen in 1772 by demonstrating that air, after removing oxygen and carbon dioxide, contained a previously unidentified gas.

**Where did Daniel Rutherford study and work?**
He studied and later taught at the University of Edinburgh, where he conducted his groundbreaking research.

**How did Rutherford’s work influence chemistry?**
His isolation of nitrogen helped establish the composition of air, paving the way for the development of modern chemistry and gas laws.

**Was Rutherford affiliated with any scientific societies?**
Yes, he was a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, contributing to its scientific discourse.

## Why They Matter
Daniel Rutherford’s discovery of nitrogen was a cornerstone of 18th-century chemistry, fundamentally altering the understanding of air composition. His work influenced later scientists, including Antoine Lavoisier, who built upon his findings to develop the modern theory of chemical elements. Rutherford’s contributions also advanced botanical science, bridging chemistry and biology.

## Notable For
- First to isolate and identify nitrogen (1772).
- Professor at the University of Edinburgh, shaping scientific education.
- Member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- Conducted pioneering research in botany and plant physiology.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Daniel Rutherford was born on November 3, 1749, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He pursued his education at the University of Edinburgh, where he developed an interest in chemistry, botany, and medicine.

### Scientific Career
Rutherford’s most significant achievement came in 1772 when he discovered nitrogen. By removing oxygen and carbon dioxide from air, he demonstrated the existence of a residual gas, which he termed "noxious air" (later identified as nitrogen). This experiment was crucial in disproving the phlogiston theory and advancing the understanding of atmospheric composition.

### Academic and Institutional Roles
He served as a professor at the University of Edinburgh, where he taught chemistry and botany. His academic work included mentoring students and conducting research on plant physiology, particularly the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

### Affiliations and Legacy
Rutherford was a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, contributing to its scientific community. His discovery of nitrogen laid the groundwork for future chemical research, influencing figures like Lavoisier. His work remains a key milestone in the history of chemistry and botany.

### Death and Posthumous Recognition
Rutherford died on November 15, 1819. His contributions to science are remembered through his discovery of nitrogen and his role in advancing experimental chemistry and botanical studies.

## References

1. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
2. The Peerage
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
5. Source
6. International Plant Names Index
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. [Source](https://books.google.fr/books?id=c-uqBgAAQBAJ&lpg=PA279&dq=Daniel%20Rutherford%20november%201819&hl=fr&pg=PA279#v=onepage&q=Daniel%20Rutherford%20november%201819&f=false)
9. [Source](https://books.google.fr/books?id=CalcAAAAcAAJ&dq=Daniel%20Rutherford%20november%201819&hl=fr&pg=PA163#v=onepage&q=Daniel%20Rutherford%20november%201819&f=false)
10. SNAC
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. BnF authorities
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. IdRef
16. CERL Thesaurus