The first drawings of molecules

Published: 01 July 2024
on channel: Stated Clearly
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Full video:    • What Is An Atom And How Do We Know?  

John Dalton, a school teacher who studied chemistry in his free time, was a pioneering figure in the development of modern atomic theory. He was also among the first to attempt drawing molecules to represent his ideas. In 1808, Dalton published a book titled A New System of Chemical Philosophy, where he introduced these molecular drawings.

Key Features of Dalton’s Drawings:
Symbolic Representation: Dalton used circles to represent atoms of different elements. Each type of atom was designated by a unique symbol or shading, which was a novel way of visually distinguishing between different elements.

Molecular Formulas: Alongside the drawings, Dalton provided explanations of how atoms of different elements combine to form compounds. He used his symbols to illustrate the composition of various compounds, effectively creating an early form of what we now know as molecular formulas.

Dalton’s molecular drawings were crucial for visualizing what used to be very abstract concepts of atoms and molecules. His drawings and equations helped lay the groundwork for later developments in chemical notation and molecular modeling, even though they were relatively simple and not entirely accurate by today’s standards. His work marked a significant step forward in the visual representation of chemical structures, facilitating a better understanding of chemical reactions and molecular composition.


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