Timeline of John Dalton, English chemist and physicist who pioneered modern atomic theory, formulated the law of partial pressures, and conducted foundational research on color blindness.
John Dalton is born in Eaglesfield, Cumberland, England, to a Quaker family. His early education is received at a local Quaker school. #history #science
At age 12, Dalton starts teaching at a Quaker school in Eaglesfield, and later moves to Kendal to teach at a school run by his cousin. He continues his own studies in mathematics and science. #education #science
Dalton moves to Kendal with his brother, where they run a boarding school. He meets blind natural philosopher John Gough, who influences his scientific interests. #science #history
Dalton begins a daily record of meteorological observations, continuing for 57 years until his death. The diary contains over 200,000 observations, contributing to early climatology. #meteorology #science
Dalton publishes his first book, compiling his weather data and theories. It includes early ideas on the nature of gases and the mixing of air. #meteorology #science
Dalton moves to Manchester and becomes a tutor in mathematics and natural philosophy at Manchester Academy (then New College). He joins the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society. #history #science
Dalton presents his first paper on color blindness, 'Extraordinary facts relating to the vision of colours,' to the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society. He describes his own visual deficiency, later termed 'Daltonism'. #medicine #science
Dalton becomes Secretary of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, a position he holds until his death. He also begins his systematic study of gases and atomic theory. #science #history
Dalton publishes 'Experimental Essays' in which he states that the total pressure of a mixture of gases equals the sum of the partial pressures of each individual gas. This foundational principle in chemistry and physics is known as Dalton's law. #chemistry #physics
Dalton presents papers on the evaporation of liquids and the vapor pressure of water at different temperatures. His work supports the kinetic theory of gases and expands understanding of gas-liquid equilibria. #chemistry #physics
Dalton proposes his atomic theory, stating that elements are made of indivisible atoms, atoms of the same element are identical, and atoms combine in whole-number ratios to form compounds. He also calculates the first atomic weights. #chemistry #science
Scottish chemist Thomas Thomson visits Dalton in Manchester and learns about the atomic theory. Thomson later popularizes Dalton's ideas in his textbook, helping spread the theory across Europe. #chemistry #history )
Dalton publishes a paper explaining the absorption of gases by water using his atomic theory and the concept of partial pressures. This work influences Henry's law and subsequent studies of solubility. #chemistry #physics
Dalton's seminal work, 'A New System of Chemical Philosophy,' is published. It systematically presents his atomic theory, including atomic weights and symbols for elements, revolutionizing chemistry. #chemistry #science
The second part of Dalton's book is published, expanding on atomic weights and chemical composition. It includes data on oxides, sulfides, and other compounds. #chemistry #science
Dalton publishes a paper arguing that water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen in fixed proportions, consistent with his atomic theory. He defends his views against objections from other chemists. #chemistry #science
Dalton is elected as a corresponding member of the French Academy of Sciences, recognizing his international reputation in chemistry and physics. #science #history
Dalton is elected President of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society, serving until 1844. He continues to lead scientific discussions and promote research in the region. #science #history
Dalton is elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, one of the highest honors for a scientist in Britain. #science #history
Dalton receives the Royal Medal from the Royal Society for the development of the atomic theory and his work on gases. #science #award
The Paris Academy of Sciences elects Dalton as one of its eight foreign associates, further demonstrating his global scientific standing. #science #history
Dalton is elected a corresponding member of the French Academy of Sciences, acknowledging his contributions to chemistry and physics. #science #history
Dalton receives an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from the University of Edinburgh, recognizing his scientific achievements. #education #science
A marble statue of John Dalton by sculptor Francis Chantrey is erected in the entrance of the Manchester Royal Institution (now the Manchester Art Gallery), reflecting his local prominence. #art #history
Dalton is awarded an honorary Doctor of Civil Law (D.C.L.) by the University of Oxford, a rare honor for a scientist at the time. #education #science
Dalton is granted an annual civil pension of £150 by the British government in recognition of his contributions to science. #science #politics
Dalton receives a silver medal from the Royal Society for his ongoing work. He continues his research despite declining health. #science #award
Dalton suffers a mild stroke, which impairs his mobility and speech. He continues to work but at a reduced pace. #health #history
A second stroke weakens Dalton further. He maintains his meteorological diary and attends meetings when possible. #health #science
John Dalton dies in Manchester, England, at age 77. His body lies in state at Manchester Town Hall, and he is given a public funeral. Over 40,000 people pay their respects. #science #history
An autopsy of Dalton's eyes reveals that the vitreous humor is tinged blue, likely from a lack of pigment. This supports his hypothesis that his color blindness was due to discoloration of the aqueous humor, though modern understanding attributes it to cone photoreceptor deficiency. #medicine #science
Dalton is buried in Ardwick Cemetery in Manchester. His grave is later marked with a simple monument, and a statue is erected in Piccadilly Gardens. #history #commemoration
The Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society issues a medallion in Dalton's honor, further cementing his legacy as a pioneer of modern science. #science #history
Dalton Hall, a university hall of residence named after John Dalton, opens at the University of Manchester, reflecting his enduring influence. #education #history
The Manchester Museum of Science and Industry reconstructs Dalton's laboratory to preserve and display his experimental apparatus. #museums #science