Martin Klaproth

Born on 1 December 1743 in Wernigerode, Germany, Martin Klaproth was a pioneer of analytical chemistry and discoverer of several elements, including uranium. Klaproth became an apprentice in an apothecary shop in Quedlinburg in 1759 at the age of 16, and in 1764 he advanced to journeyman. After working various stints at apothecaries in Hanover, Berlin, and Danzig, Klaproth settled in Berlin in 1771 to manage the apothecary shop of renowned chemist Valentin Rose the elder, who had died. In 1780 Klaproth started his own shop. Interested in chemistry, Klaproth studied the subject extensively and began publishing a number of scientific papers on chemistry and mineralogy. In 1787 was appointed lecturer in chemistry to the Prussian Royal Artillery. When the University of Berlin was founded in 1810, Klaproth became its first professor of chemistry, a position he held until his death in 1817. Klaproth is noted not only for his discovery of new elements, such as uranium, cerium, and zirconium, but most especially for his development of more exact methods of scientific analysis. In particular, he found ways to dissolve particularly insoluble minerals, worked to avoid contamination, and insisted that any discrepancies in measurements be noted in the final results. In recognition of his achievements, Klaproth received numerous honors, including membership in the Royal Society of London, the Institute of France, and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Date in History: 1 December 1743