December 22, 1828- Death 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 handsome profits and the discovery of palladium and rhodium.
• He experimented with electricity laying the foundation for the design of the electric motor.
• He invented a zinc battery.
• He observed the dark lines of the solar spectrum that allowed the elements in the sun to be discovered.
• He did work on the hypsometer.
• He invented various optical devices: camera lucida, reflecting goniometer, meniscus lens, 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