Johann Heinrich Pott facts for kids

Johann Heinrich Pott (born October 6, 1692 – died March 29, 1777) was an important scientist from Prussia. He was a doctor and a chemist. Many people see him as a leader in a field called pyrochemistry. This is the study of how heat changes chemicals.

Pott also studied elements like bismuth and manganese. He worked hard to make glass and porcelain better.

Who Was Johann Pott?

Johann Pott was born in a town called Halberstadt. His father was a royal advisor. Young Johann first went to school in Halberstadt. Then, he studied theology at the University of Halle.

Pott's Journey into Science

After studying theology, Pott changed his focus. He decided to study medicine and chemistry. His teacher was a famous scientist named Georg Ernst Stahl. In 1713, Pott learned about testing metals in Mansfield.

For a short time, he traveled as an evangelist with his brothers. But he soon returned to his studies. In 1715, he went back to Halle to study chemistry. He earned his doctorate degree in 1716. His research was about sulfur, and his advisor was Friedrich Hoffmann.

Becoming a Professor

Pott first worked as a doctor in Halberstadt. In 1720, he moved to Berlin. By 1724, he became a professor of chemistry. He taught at the Collegium Medico Chirurgicum.

Like his teacher Stahl, Pott supported the phlogiston theory. This was an early idea about how things burn. He later took over from Caspar Neumann as a professor of pharmaceutical chemistry. This field combines chemistry with making medicines.

Pott's Chemistry Discoveries

Johann Pott made many important contributions to chemistry. He used special beads made of borax and phosphorus to analyze materials. This helped him understand what things were made of.

Studying Elements and Materials

Pott also studied graphite. At the time, many people thought graphite was a type of lead. But Pott showed that it was actually a different material.

He also looked closely at pyrolusite. This is a mineral that contains manganese. His work helped us understand its makeup.

Improving Porcelain Production

King Frederick II asked Pott to set up a porcelain factory. This factory was in a town called Freienwalde. Pott's knowledge of chemistry helped improve how porcelain was made. This was very important for making beautiful dishes and art.