Who is Robert Bunsen?

Robert Bunsen is best known for one of his more minor contributions to the field of science, the Bunsen burner, even though his lifetime of work yielded many more important, albeit less publicized, contributions. Born Robert Wilhelm Bunsen on 31 March 1811 in Göttingen, Germany, he was a modest, unassuming man of incredible intelligence. His contributions span several scientific disciplines, including chemistry, organic chemistry, geology, photochemical studies and spectrography. Robert Bunsen began his studies in Chemistry, and received his doctorate at 19 years of age in Germany. After graduation, he took a job lecturing and traveled throughout Europe to study advancements in manufacturing, geology and chemistry. One of his first breakthroughs was in organic/physiological chemistry when he discovered the use of iron oxide hydrate as an antidote for arsenic poisoning. In 1838, Robert Bunsen began teaching at the University of Marlsburg where he studied cacodyl, a compound made with ar ... more

Robert Bunsen is best known for one of his more minor contributions to the field of science, the Bunsen burner, even though his lifetime of work yielded many more important, albeit less publicized, contributions. Born Robert Wilhelm Bunsen on 31 March 1811 in Göttingen, Germany, he was a modest, unassuming man of incredible intelligence. His contributions span several scientific disciplines, including chemistry, organic chemistry, geology, photochemical studies and spectrography. ... more