Isolation of nitrogen in 1772 established the primary scientific reputation of Daniel Rutherford, an Edinburgh-based physician and chemist. Through a series of experiments involving a mouse, a candle, and phosphorus, he identified a residual gas that failed to support combustion or life, which he categorized as noxious or phlogisticated air.
Academic Foundation and Early Work
Born in Edinburgh in 1749, Rutherford was the son of Anne Mackay and Professor John Rutherford. His education began at Mundell's School near his home on the West Bow. He later attended the University of Cambridge and the University of Edinburgh, where he studied medicine under William Cullen and Joseph Black. He earned his doctorate in 1772, the same year he conducted his influential research on air components.
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Rutherford practiced medicine in Edinburgh between 1775 and 1786 before pivoting toward botanical science. He held the position of Regius Professor of Plant Science at the University of Edinburgh from 1786 until 1819. Concurrently, he served as the 5th Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. His leadership extended to the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, where he served as president from 1796 to 1798. He was also a founding member of the Harveian Society of Edinburgh in 1782 and a joint founder of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783.
Life and Domestic Affairs
In 1786, Rutherford married Harriet Mitchelson of Middleton. Throughout his residency in Edinburgh, he occupied several notable addresses, including a house at Hyndford Close on the Royal Mile, formerly held by Dunbar Douglas, 4th Earl of Selkirk. Around 1805, he relocated to a townhouse at 20 Picardy Place, where he resided until his death. He died suddenly in Edinburgh on 15 November 1819.
Fast facts
- Born: 1749, Edinburgh
- Died: 1819, Edinburgh
- Major discovery: Nitrogen (1772)
- Professional title: Regius Professor of Plant Science
- Spouse: Harriet Mitchelson of Middleton
- Notable association: Royal Society of Edinburgh
- Education: University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh
Questions readers ask
What did Daniel Rutherford call the gas he discovered?
He initially identified the gas as noxious air or phlogisticated air.
Was Daniel Rutherford related to Sir Walter Scott?
Yes, he was the uncle of the novelist Sir Walter Scott.
Achievements
- Affiliated with University of Edinburgh
- Educated at University of Cambridge and University of Edinburgh
- Worked as botanist, chemist and physicist
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