Michael Sendivogius | |
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Born | Łukowica, Kingdom of Poland | 2 February 1566
Died | 1636 Kravaře, Holy Roman Empire | (aged 69–70)
Nationality | Polish |
Other names | Michael Sendivogius, Sędzimir |
Alma mater | University of Vienna, University of Altdorf, University of Leipzig, University of Cambridge |
Occupation(s) | Alchemist, philosopher, writer, and medical doctor |
Known for | The concept of central nitre |
Michael Sendivogius (/ˌsɛndɪˈvoʊdʒiəs/; Polish: Michał Sędziwój; 2 February 1566 – 1636) was a Polish alchemist, philosopher, and medical doctor. He is famous as being the first to purify certain compounds and create certain acids. He was also the first to work out that a certain gas was given off when heating potassium nitrate. This gas was oxygen, and he was the first to identify it. He also worked out that this gas was in air, and called it the "food of life".[1][2]