Skip to main content
Log in

Bicentenary homage to Dr Jan Ingen-Housz, MD (1730–1799), pioneer of photosynthesis research

  • Published:
Photosynthesis Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

On September 7, 1999, the 200th anniversary of the death of Dr Jan Ingen-Housz was commemorated by ceremonies in Calne, England. Ingen-Housz discovered the action of light in photosynthesis in 1779, following Joseph Priestley's demonstration that green plants had the capacity to produce oxygen. Priestley's claim for priority in discovering the light requirement of photosynthesis is examined.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Beale N and Beale E (1999)WhoWas Ingen Housz, Anyway? Calne Town Council, Calne, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Gest H (1988) Sunbeams, cucumbers and purple bacteria. Photosynth Res 19: 287–308

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gest H (1991) Sunbeams, cucumbers and purple bacteria: The discovery of photosynthesis revisited. Persp Biol Med 34: 254–274

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gest H (1997) A ‘misplaced chapter’ in the history of photosynthesis research; the second publication (1796) on plant processes by Dr Jan Ingen-Housz, MD, discoverer of photosynthesis. Photosynth Res 53: 65–72

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hartog PJ (1933) The bicentenary of Joseph Priestley. J Chem Soc 1933: Part 2: 896–902

    Google Scholar 

  • Hill R (1972) Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) and his discovery of photosynthesis in 1771. In: Proceedings of the 2nd International Congress on Photosynthesis Research, pp 1–18. DrW. Junk N.V. Publishers, The Hague

    Google Scholar 

  • Ingen-Housz J (1779) Experiments upon Vegetables, Discovering Their Great Power of Purifying the Common Air in the Sunshine and of Injuring it in the Shade and at Night, to Which is Joined a New Method of Examining the Accurate Degree of Salubrity of the Atmosphere. Printed for P. Elmsly in the Strand and H. Payne in Pall Mall, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Ingen-Housz J (1796) An Essay on the Food of Plants and the Renovation of Soils. Additional Appendix (no. III) to the Outlines of the Fifteenth Chapter of the Proposed General Report from the Board of Agriculture/On the subject of Manures. Printed by W. Bulmer and Co, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson S (1755) A Dictionary of the English Language. Printed by W. Strahan for J. and P. Knapton; T. and T. Longman; C. Hitch and L. Hawes; A. Millar; and R. and J. Dodsley, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Nash LK (1952) Plants and the Atmosphere. Harvard Case Histories in Experimental Science, Harvard University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Massachusetts Priestley J (1761) The Rudiments of English Grammar; Adapted to the Use of Schools, with Observations on Style. Printed for R. Griffiths, in the Strand, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Priestley J (1774) Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air. Printed for J. Johnson, London

  • Priestley J (1779) Experiments and Observations Relating to Various Branches of Natural Philosophy; with a Continuation of the Observations on Air. Printed for J. Johnson, No 72, St. Paul's Church-Yard, London

  • Priestley J (1790) Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air, and other Branches of Natural Philosophy, Connected with the Subject. In Three Volumes; Being the Former Six Volumes Abridged and Methodized, with Many Additions. Printed by Thomas Pearson, Birmingham; and sold by J. Johnson, St. Paul's Church-Yard, London

  • Priestley J (1800) The Doctrine of Phlogiston Established: and That of the Composition of Water refuted. Printed for the Author; A. Kennedy, Northumberland, Pennsylvania

    Google Scholar 

  • Rabinowitch EI (1945) Photosynthesis and Related Processes, Vol I. Interscience Publishers, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Reed HS (1949) Jan Ingenhousz, Plant Physiologist, with a History of the Discovery of Photosynthesis. Chronica Botanica, Vol 11, No 5/6. Chronica Botanica Co, Waltham, Massachusetts

    Google Scholar 

  • Rich P (1992) (Ed) Special Issue: Robin Hill. Photosynth Res 34: 319–341

  • Sachs J Von (1875) History of Botany (1530-1860). English translation by H.E.F. Garnsey; revised by I.B. Balfour. Oxford University Press, 1890

  • Schofield RE (1966) A Scientific Autobiography of Joseph Priestley (1733-1804). The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, p 180 and pp 248-249

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Pas PW(1973) Jan Ingen-Housz. In: Gillispie CC (ed) Dictionary of Scientific Biography, Vol VII, pp 11–16. C Scribner's Sons, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiesner J (1905) Jan Ingen-Housz. Sein leben und sein Wirken als Naturforscher und Arzt. Verlagsbuchhandlung Carl Konegen, Vienna

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Gest, H. Bicentenary homage to Dr Jan Ingen-Housz, MD (1730–1799), pioneer of photosynthesis research. Photosynthesis Research 63, 183–190 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006460024843

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006460024843

Navigation