Definition for Priestley, Joseph
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Priestley, Joseph (1733 to 1804): Scientist, educator, Unitarian minister; born in Leeds, England. Priestley is best known as the discoverer of oxygen, although he also pioneered research into carbonation, and was first to note the ‘restorative’ effect of green plants on depleted oxygen. While recovering from tuberculosis as a young man, Priestley taught himself German, French, and Italian and studied Chaldean, Syrian, and Arabic, as well as mathematics. In 1794, already famous as a scientist, teacher, and dissident minister, he emigrated in search of religious freedom and because his defense of the French Revolution had made him so many enemies. Settling in Pennsylvania, he became an early promoter of Unitarianism in America, founding America’s first Unitarian church.. A pioneer in the physics of electricity and the chemistry of gasses, in America he concentrated on writing his theological works, notably A General History of the Christian Church. Priestley defended natural religion against Hume’s attacks, but himself criticized the central Christian tenent of the Trinity.