10 fun and interesting Robert Bunsen facts

1. Birthday of Robert Bunsen disputed

The birthday of Robert Bunsen, the renowned German chemist, is often disputed, though sources believe it is March 30 rather than March 31. This is due to the fact that there is a parish register for him, which is a document that records the birth of a person and is usually kept in a church. This document provides evidence that his birthday is March 30.

Also → The Discovery That Changed Physics

2. The Man Who Invented the Bunsen Burner

In 1830, Robert Bunsen earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Gottingen, a renowned German university with a long history of excellence in the field. His doctoral thesis focused on the analysis of metallic oxides and earned him the prestigious title of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry. This accomplishment marked the beginning of a long and successful career in the field of chemistry, which would eventually lead to the invention of the Bunsen burner.

Also → Michael Faraday: A True Polymath

3. Geologist & Mineralogist

After retiring from his career as a chemist, Robert Bunsen shifted his focus to geology and mineralogy, continuing to work in these fields until his death. He was particularly interested in the petrology of the Eifel region, and published several papers on the subject. He also conducted research on the mineralogy of the Harz Mountains, and was the first to describe the mineral bunsenite. His work in these fields was highly respected, and he was awarded the Wollaston Medal by the Geological Society of London in 1876.

Also → Fritz Haber: A Chemist Who Made a Difference

4. German Chemist Robert Bunsen Still Remembered for Arsenic Antidote

Robert Bunsen, the renowned 19th century German chemist, is still remembered today for his discovery of the use of iron oxide hydrate as an antidote for arsenic poisoning. His pioneering work in this area has been instrumental in saving countless lives, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in the medical community.

Also → Ahmed Zewail: Notable Chemist

5. Early Academic Success

In 1836, Robert Bunsen began his academic career when he accepted an associate professorship at the University of Marburg. After five years of teaching, he was promoted to a full professor in 1841, cementing his place as a respected academic in the field. His time at the University of Marburg was a major milestone in his career, and it was here that he began to make a name for himself in the scientific community.

Also → August Kekule: A Life in Science

6. Revolutionizing Electricity

Robert Bunsen was a renowned scientist who made a significant contribution to the field of electricity. He created the Bunsen cell battery, which was revolutionary for its time as it used a carbon electrode instead of the traditional platinum electrode. This new battery was more efficient and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for many applications. Bunsen's invention was a major breakthrough in the development of electricity and has been used in many different industries ever since.

Also → Robert Boyle: Father of Modern Chemistry

7. Revolutionizing Chemistry: The Bunsen Burner

In 1855, Robert Bunsen and his assistant developed the Bunsen burner, a gas burner with a very hot flame, to aid them in their electrolysis experiments to produce pure metals. This revolutionary invention revolutionized the field of chemistry, allowing for more accurate and precise experiments. The Bunsen burner is still used today in laboratories around the world, and is a testament to Robert Bunsen's ingenuity and dedication to the field of chemistry.

Also → Robert Koch: Pioneer of Infectious Diseases

8. Inventor of the Bunsen Burner and Spectroscope

Robert Bunsen is renowned for his many contributions to science, particularly for his invention of the Bunsen burner in 1855. However, he is also credited with inventing a prototype spectroscope in 1859, which was a device used to measure the intensity of light at different wavelengths. This invention was a major breakthrough in the field of spectroscopy, and it allowed scientists to gain a better understanding of the composition of stars and other celestial bodies.

Also → Justus Liebig: A Revolutionary Chemist

9. Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchoff receive Davy Medal

In 1877, Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchoff made history by becoming the first ever recipients of the prestigious Davy Medal. This award, established by the Royal Society of London in 1877, is given to scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. Bunsen and Kirchoff were honored for their groundbreaking work in the field of spectroscopy, which revolutionized the way scientists study the composition of matter.

Also → Friedrich Wöhler: Pioneer of Chemistry

10. Rob Bunsen & Chemist Colleague Make History!

Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchoff were two of the most influential chemists of the 19th century, and their work together led to the discovery of two chemical elements: caesium and rubidium. These elements were discovered in 1860 and 1861 respectively, and their discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of chemistry. Caesium is a soft, silvery-white metal, while rubidium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is highly reactive. Both elements are used in a variety of applications, including in the production of fertilizers, in the manufacture of electronics, and in the development of medical treatments.