August 6, 1766 - Birth of William Hyde Wollaston, discoverer of palladium and rhodium

Initially a medical doctor, he later changed his profession to chemistry, crystallography, metallurgy, and physics.

Among his great contributions to science, the following stand out:

• He developed a physicochemical method for processing platinum ore that led to a handsome profit and the discovery of palladium and rhodium.
• He experimented with electricity laying the foundations for the design of the electric motor,
• He invented a zinc battery.
• He observed the dark lines of the solar spectrum that allowed discovering the elements in the sun.
• He did work on the hypsometer.
• Inventó varios dispositivos ópticos: cámara lúcida, goniómetro reflector, lente menisco, etc.
• He invented the Cryophorus.

If you want to know more about this scientist, his achievements, and his life, click on the following link: William Hyde Wollaston