Ambrose Godfrey facts for kids

Oil painting of Ambrose Godfrey

Ambrose Godfrey-Hanckwitz (born 1660 – died 15 January 1741) was a clever German-born British inventor and chemist. He was also known as Gottfried Hankwitz or simply Ambrose Godfrey. He became famous for being one of the first and most successful people to make a special glowing substance called phosphorus. He also invented and patented an early machine that worked like a fire extinguisher.

Early Life and Discoveries

Engraving of Ambrose Godfrey by George Vertue

Ambrose Godfrey was born in a town called Köthen in Germany. When he was 19, in 1679, he moved to London with his wife. There, he started working for a famous scientist named Robert Boyle. Boyle is known as the "father of modern chemistry." At that time, Boyle was very interested in making phosphorus, a new and mysterious substance.

Boyle had heard that phosphorus could be made from human urine. He had tried with other assistants but hadn't succeeded. Godfrey was sent to visit the person who first discovered phosphorus, Hennig Brandt, in Germany. Godfrey learned a very important secret: making phosphorus needed extremely high temperatures.

When Godfrey returned, he tried heating urine again, using much more heat. The container he was using cracked, but Boyle noticed a faint glow from the broken pieces. This showed them they were on the right track! Godfrey became very skilled at making phosphorus. He would boil down human urine until it became a thick residue. Then, he would heat it strongly to release phosphorus gas, which would then turn into a solid or liquid form.

Godfrey wasn't always careful with the phosphorus. It could burn his skin, and his fingers often had blisters. Once, a small bottle of phosphorus broke in his pocket, burning holes in his pants!

Building a Business

By 1682, Robert Boyle had learned enough about phosphorus, and Godfrey decided to start his own business. Boyle even helped him with money to get started. In honor of Boyle, Godfrey named his first son Boyle Godfrey.

Etching of Ambrose Godfrey's chemical laboratory

Ambrose Godfrey's chemical factory

By 1685, Godfrey's business was doing well. He had a special furnace behind his home and used waste materials from a nearby estate to make phosphorus. He advertised his phosphorus for sale and was selling as much as he could make. He even found ways to make it purer. Godfrey also worked at Apothecaries Hall, where he eventually became the head of the laboratory.

Many other people tried to make phosphorus, but they struggled. They thought Godfrey had a secret step that Boyle hadn't shared. However, Godfrey's method was actually just what Boyle had published, with one small addition: Godfrey knew that human waste could also be used.

Godfrey's business grew, and he became known for making the best phosphorus. He sold it all over Britain and even exported it to other countries in Europe. By the early 1700s, he was selling a lot of phosphorus, making a good amount of money.

In 1707, Godfrey was wealthy enough to buy a new shop in London. He opened a pharmacy there, and his family lived above it. He built a workshop behind the shop where he and his team continued to make phosphorus and even gave demonstrations.

Legacy and Family Business

Ambrose Godfrey passed away on 15 January 1741. His oldest son, Boyle Godfrey, took over the business. However, Boyle wasn't as good at managing money and struggled. In 1742, his brothers, Ambrose and John, took over the business. They also faced difficulties.

Eventually, the business went to their nephew, Boyle's son, who was also named Ambrose Godfrey. This younger Ambrose was very successful and continued the business until he died in 1797. After him, his son, Ambrose Towers Godfrey, took over and partnered with another person to form the company "Godfrey and Cooke." This company continued to operate until 1915.

Even though the Godfrey family's business was very important for a long time, new ways of making phosphorus were discovered later, like using bones. These new methods eventually took over.

Images for kids

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  Diorama of Ambrose Godfrey's chemical laboratory