Discovery School - 100 Greatest Discoveries - Chemistry
1. Oxygen (1770s) Joseph Priestley discovers oxygen; later, Antoine Lavoisier clarifies the nature of elements. Priestley produces oxygen in experiments and describes its role in combustion and respiration. Then, by dissolving fixed air in water, he invents carbonated water. Priestley, oblivious to the importance of his discovery, calls the new gas "dephlogisticated air." Lavoisier gives oxygen its name and correctly describes its role in combustion.
"An inspector calls", the title play in this collection, was written inside a week in 1944. Inspector Goole, investigating a girl's death, calls on the Birlings, an outwardly virtuous household.