William Lewis (scientist)

William Lewis ( * baptized June 20, 1708 in Richmond, Surrey, England; † January 21, 1781 in Kingston, Surrey ) was an English chemist who contributed through his platinum research base for the specification of precious metals.

Life

For 1737, the lecture is busy, had the connections between chemistry, commerce and science subject. In 1754 he was accepted as a recognized physician, chemist and professor at the Royal Society. In order to advance his ambitious research better, he left London in 1747 and he established a large laboratory in Kingston one. He was financially assisted by Stephen Hales and the Duke of Northumberland. In 1750, Alexander was a Chisolm his assistant, who entered the service of Josiah Wedgwood by Lewis demise. His interests were varied and he worked both theoretically and practically. A special interest of it was in the range of metallurgical properties of the gold, platinum and iron. In the case of gold as he noted not only the chemical properties but referred the highly differentiated use of gold as money in his reflections with a what determines the mercantilist spirit corresponded. For the investigations of the platinum in 1754 he received the Copleymedaille awarded. This part of his research was aimed primarily at the prevention of fraud, since gold and white gold were at that time not yet be distinguished, which, since white gold was then rated lower, allowing abuse. A key obstacle to his studies was that it was difficult designed to organize the amount of platinum needed. Here, he had to rely on various patrons.

Writings

  • Willhelm Lewis materia medica or description of simple Arzneymittel / after zwoten increased and improved edition translated from English by Johann Heinrich Ziegler. Orell, Gessner, Füeßlin & Co, Zurich 1771st Digitized edition
  • De nieuwe Britsche apotheek. Naar the derden druk uit het van Londen Engelsch Vertaald door Theodorus van Brussel. Bom, Amsterdam Volume 1: Behelzende 1 De algeneene Begin the selenium Kruidmengkunst. 2 De Materia Medica. 3 De preparation things en ​​Saamenmengselen van de nieuwe en Londensche Edinburgsche Apotheeken. 1772 Digitized edition of the University and State Library Dusseldorf
  • Volume 2: Behelzende de showing off things en ​​Saamenmengsels van de nieuwe en Londensche Edinburgsche Apotheeken. 1773 Digitized edition of the University and State Library Dusseldorf
  • 2nd ed, corr. , With large additions. Nourse, London 1765 Digitized edition
  • 4th ed Nourse, London 1781 Digitized edition
  • 6th ed - F. Wingrave, London 1799 Digitized edition
Noble metal Dictionary of National Biography Integrated Authority File
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