PRIESTLEY, JOSEPH
\pɹˈiːslɪ], \pɹˈiːslɪ], \p_ɹ_ˈiː_s_l_ɪ]\
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(1733-1804), an English Unitarian clergyman, made many discoveries in chemistry and discovered oxygen in 1774. His theological views were obnoxious, and in 1791 his church and property were destroyed by a mob. In 1794 he came to the United States from London and continued his investigations in science and philosophy at Northumberland, Pa.
By John Franklin Jameson
Word of the day
Snake's-head
- Guinea-hen flower; -- so called in England because its spotted petals resemble the scales of a snake's head.