Scientific Archive

The phlogiston theory (from the Ancient Greek φλογιστόν phlŏgistón “burning up”, from φλόξ phlóx “fire”), first stated in 1667 by Johann Joachim Becher, is a defunct scientific theory that posited the existence of a fire-like element called “phlogoism” that was contained within combustible bodies, and released during combustion. The theory was an...

Full Story