Trivia
HardThe Element First Discovered And Recorded By Modern Science Was?
Answer: Phosphorus
Certain elements have been known (and in use by humans) for thousands of years. It’s impossible to pin down who discovered elements like lead, copper, gold, and silver as they are found in relatively pure form without much refinement.
The first unique element to be discovered and isolated in the modern age, however, can be identified. In the 17th century a bankrupt German merchant, Hennig Brand, trying to create the fabled Philosopher’s Stone (that could turn base metals into gold) stumbled across the element Phosphorus (courtesy of his experiments in distilling human urine). Despite the interesting nature of the glowing white substance he had distilled, it got him no closer to his goal of turning lead and such into gold. Brand kept his discovery secret until 1680 when scientist Robert Boyle revealed that he had discovered it (or, rather, rediscovered it as the case was).
Phosphorus became, upon discovery, the 14th known element.
Trivia
EasyConcerns Over The Stability Of The Brooklyn Bridge Were Silenced By Marching What Over It?
Trivia
HardBy Whose Request Was Margarine Invented?
Trivia
HardWhich Mission Was The First And Only Time “Astronaut Ice Cream” Flew In Space?
Trivia
HardThe Phrase “See You Later, Alligator” Is A Reference To What?
Trivia
HardThe Lowest Number Zip Code In The United States Belongs To?
Trivia
HardWhich One Of These Iconic Novels Sold Less Than A Few Dozen Copies A Year For Decades After Publication?
Trivia
EasyA Military Strike On A Korean Airliner Prompted Public Access To What?
Trivia
HardWhich Cartoon Was The Last To Be Animated With Cells?
Trivia
EasyMicrochips Are Mostly Composed Of What?
Trivia
HardWhich Of These Actors Almost Took The Role Of Neo In The Matrix?