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Scotlands History\|Scottish Enlightenment

Joseph Black, scientist (1728 - 1799)

An actor portrays the 18th century Scottish scientist Joseph Black in this video, explaining his discoveries in chemistry which underpinned new inventions in engineering and industry.

Head and shoulders from an oil painting portrait of Joseph Black

Learn more about Joseph Black

One of the great chemistry teachers and researchers of the age, Joseph Black promoted the science of thermodynamics, discovering carbon dioxide, which he called 'fixed air'.