# Per Teodor Cleve

> Swedish chemist who discovered holmium and thulium (1840-1905)

**Wikidata**: [Q377822](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q377822)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per_Teodor_Cleve)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/per-teodor-cleve

## Summary
Per Teodor Cleve was a Swedish chemist who discovered the rare earth elements holmium and thulium between 1878 and 1879. Born in 1840 and active until his death in 1905, he made significant contributions to the field of chemistry through his mineralogical and analytical research.

## Biography
- Born: February 10, 1840, in Stockholm, Sweden
- Nationality: Swedish
- Education: Studied at Uppsala University
- Known for: Discovering holmium and thulium
- Employer(s): Uppsala University
- Field(s): Chemistry, Mineralogy

## Contributions
Per Teodor Cleve is best known for his discovery of two rare earth elements:
- **Holmium (1878)**: Cleve identified holmium in the mineral erbia, which was previously thought to contain only erbium. His work on the spectral analysis of minerals led to the recognition of holmium as a distinct element.
- **Thulium (1879)**: Cleve also discovered thulium in the same mineral, erbia, through his detailed spectroscopic analysis. This discovery expanded the known rare earth elements and contributed to the understanding of their chemical properties.

Additionally, Cleve made significant contributions to the field of mineralogy and inorganic chemistry. His research on rare earth elements was pivotal in advancing the classification and understanding of these elements, which have since found applications in various technological and industrial fields.

## FAQs
**What is Per Teodor Cleve known for?**
Per Teodor Cleve is known for discovering the rare earth elements holmium and thulium in 1878 and 1879, respectively. His work on spectral analysis of minerals contributed significantly to the field of chemistry.

**Where did Per Teodor Cleve study?**
Per Teodor Cleve studied at Uppsala University, where he conducted his research on rare earth elements and mineralogy.

**What were the key discoveries made by Per Teodor Cleve?**
Cleve discovered holmium in 1878 and thulium in 1879, both of which are rare earth elements. His discoveries expanded the known elements and their properties.

**What field did Per Teodor Cleve work in?**
Per Teodor Cleve worked in the fields of chemistry and mineralogy, focusing on the analysis and classification of rare earth elements.

**What was the significance of Per Teodor Cleve's work on rare earth elements?**
Cleve's work on rare earth elements was significant because it led to the identification of new elements and a better understanding of their chemical properties. His discoveries have since been foundational in various technological and industrial applications.

## Why They Matter
Per Teodor Cleve's discoveries of holmium and thulium were groundbreaking in the field of chemistry. His work on spectral analysis of minerals allowed for the identification of new rare earth elements, which have since been crucial in various technological advancements. The rare earth elements discovered by Cleve have applications in electronics, magnets, and other high-tech industries, making his contributions essential to modern technology. Additionally, his research laid the groundwork for further studies in mineralogy and inorganic chemistry, influencing generations of scientists. Cleve's legacy endures in the periodic table and the ongoing exploration of rare earth elements, demonstrating the lasting impact of his work.

## Notable For
- Discovering holmium in 1878, expanding the known rare earth elements
- Discovering thulium in 1879, further contributing to the understanding of rare earth elements
- Pioneering research in mineralogy and inorganic chemistry
- Foundational work in spectral analysis of minerals, influencing future chemical research
- Contributions to the classification and properties of rare earth elements, which are essential in modern technology

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Per Teodor Cleve was born on February 10, 1840, in Stockholm, Sweden. He received his education at Uppsala University, where he studied chemistry and mineralogy. His academic background laid the foundation for his groundbreaking research on rare earth elements.

### Career and Research
Cleve's career was primarily focused at Uppsala University, where he conducted extensive research on rare earth elements. His work involved the analysis of minerals using spectroscopic methods, which allowed him to identify new elements that were previously unknown. This approach was innovative at the time and set the stage for future advancements in chemical analysis.

### Discoveries of Holmium and Thulium
In 1878, Cleve discovered holmium in the mineral erbia, which was initially thought to contain only erbium. His detailed spectral analysis revealed the presence of a new element, which he named holmium. This discovery was significant because it expanded the known rare earth elements and contributed to the understanding of their chemical properties. Similarly, in 1879, Cleve discovered thulium in the same mineral, further enriching the field of rare earth chemistry.

### Impact on Chemistry and Mineralogy
Cleve's discoveries of holmium and thulium were pivotal in the field of chemistry. His work on spectral analysis of minerals demonstrated the potential of this method in identifying new elements, which has since become a standard technique in chemical research. Additionally, his contributions to mineralogy and inorganic chemistry have been foundational, influencing subsequent studies in these areas.

### Legacy and Influence
Per Teodor Cleve's legacy endures in the periodic table and the ongoing exploration of rare earth elements. His discoveries have been crucial in various technological and industrial applications, including electronics, magnets, and other high-tech industries. Cleve's work has also inspired future generations of scientists to pursue research in mineralogy and inorganic chemistry, ensuring that his contributions continue to shape the field.

## References

1. Per Teodor Cleve. Dictionary of Swedish National Biography
2. [Cleve, Per Teodor, f. 1840 i Nikolai, Professor. Swedish Census 1890](https://sok.riksarkivet.se/?postid=Folk_111694800)
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. [Uppsala domkyrkoförsamlings kyrkoarkiv, Död- och begravningsböcker, SE/ULA/11632/F/11 (1902-1909), bildid: 00150928_00182, sida 179. burial register](https://sok.riksarkivet.se/bildvisning/00150928_00182#?c=&m=&s=&cv=181&xywh=101%2C1406%2C2078%2C1528)
5. Integrated Authority File
6. BnF authorities
7. [Bionomia](https://bionomia.net/dataset/b5cdf794-8fa4-4a85-8b26-755d087bf531)
8. Bionomia
9. [Cleve, Per Teodor. Svenskagravar.se](http://www.svenskagravar.se/gravsatt/94332782)
10. [Award winners : Davy Medal](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1021770356&single=true)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. International Plant Names Index
14. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
15. Project Gutenberg
16. Biodiversity Heritage Library
17. Harvard Index of Botanists
18. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
19. VcBA (identifier)
20. NUKAT
21. Alvin
22. Sapere Encyclopedia
23. author citation in botany and mycology
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. Swedish Open Cultural Heritage
26. [Source](https://runeberg.org/hvar8dag/1/0105.html)
27. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
28. LIBRIS. 2018
29. [Bionomia](https://bionomia.net/dataset/d415c253-4d61-4459-9d25-4015b9084fb0)
30. [Bionomia](https://bionomia.net/dataset/861e6afe-f762-11e1-a439-00145eb45e9a)
31. [Bionomia](https://bionomia.net/dataset/7e380070-f762-11e1-a439-00145eb45e9a)