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Article: The man behind the burner: Robert Bunsen's discoveries changed the world of chemistry in more ways than one.(Chemfusion)
- Article from:
- Canadian Chemical News
- Article date:
- January 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Chemical Institute of Canada. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Let's play a little word association. Chemistry! What comes to mind? Beakers? Formulas? Molecules? Maybe. But chances are that "Bunsen burner" rolled off many a tongue. There is probably no other piece of equipment as closely associated with chemistry as that ubiquitous little burner. Turn on the gas, adjust the air intake, and we're ready to simmer, stew, or boil. But what do we know of the man behind the burner?
Robert Bunsen was a professor of chemistry at Heidelberg University in Germany during the second half of the 19th century. He became interested in the study of arsenic compounds--an interest that would cost him dearly. Since arsenic derivatives are ...