PROUT, WILLIAM.

Some experiments on the changes which take place in the fixed principle of the egg during incubation. Read June 20, 1822.

(London, W. Nicol, 1822). 4to. No wrappers as extracted from "Philosophical Transactions" 1822 - Part II. Pp. 377-400.

First printing of a major paper in inorganic chemistry and biology.

Prout is most widely known for "Prout's hypothesis" which states that specific gravities of elementary gases (i.e., their atomic weight) were evenmultiples of of that of hydrogen. The experimental errors in the data then available were such asto make the hypothesis appear plausible. Prout concluded, therefore, that hydrogen isthe fundamental constituent from which all other elements are compounded..

Prout’s other significant contributions included unpublished thoughts on the unity of sensations (1810), on the distinction between taste and flavor (1812), on elaborate self-experiments regarding carbon dioxide output (1813, 1814), on a study of the chemical changes in an incubating egg (1822), (the paper offered)"(DSB).

Order-nr.: 44507