The development of our modern concept of atoms has occurred over the last 200 years, but the concept of atoms and matter dates back to over 400 BC [local]. Concepts about the composition of matter have changed as humans have increased their capabilities and interest in matter. Some of the earliest records regarding the composition of matter come from the Greeks [local], the Middle Ages [local] again saw some developments leading to the emergence of Alchemy [local] that reached Western Europe in the late middle ages. The period of time from 1600 to 1800 saw developments many of which hinged on our understanding of gases [local]. The ideas and discoveries of Antoine Lavoiser [local] began the modern science of chemistry.

John Dalton [local] added the next major addition to our knowledge of matter with the first scientific atomic theory in 1808 with the publication of A New System of Chemical Philosophy.

All of the links in this section were mirrored from original work by Dr. James Plambeck.