1766 in science - Definition and Overview

The year 1766 in science and technology included many events, some of which are listed here.

See also: 1765 in science, other events of 1766, 1767 in science and the list of years in science.

Chemistry

• Henry Cavendish publishes his paper "On Factitious Airs". This is generally credited to show the discovery of hydrogen, since it describes the density of 'inflammable air', which formed water on combustion.

Awards

• Copley Medal: William Brownrigg; Edward Delaval; Henry Cavendish

Births

• July 6 - Alexander Wilson, ornithologist (died 1813)
• August 3 - Kurt Sprengel, botanist (died 1833)
• August 6 - William Hyde Wollaston, chemist (died 1828)
• September 6 - John Dalton, chemist and physicist (died 1844)
• December 29 - Charles Macintosh, inventor of a waterproof fabric (died 1843)

Deaths