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490 BCE
Empedocles
Empedocles invented the four element theory that matter was made up of earth, fire and water. He was one of the earliest particle physics. Empedocles believed in transmigration that is when someone dies there soul goes into another human. taylor if you are reading this internet went off 8: 30 and alex's work did not safe. -
460 BCE
Democritus
Democritus was the first to propose his atomic theory. He said that all matter is created of small tiny things he called atoms. He had some strange ideas like iron atoms that have some small hooks that allow them to form into metal. Democritus thought that their are tiny particles in an atom that cannot be broken down.
in Greek invisible meant 'atom.' Democritus was also known as the laughing philosopher. He was also ignored (or taunted) for almost 2000 years. -
384 BCE
Aristotle
Aristotle did not think that anything on the earth was made of matter, but of four element; earth, water, air and fire. Aristotle taught Alexander the great. Later Alexander send him plants and animals from his empire. for almost 2000 years Aristotle's model dominated scientific thinking. Today Aristotle is still considered one of the greatest thinkers. -
Alchemists from the 16-1700's
The alchemists tried to turn elements like lead and base metals into gold. The alchemists failed their conquest to creating gold with the elements and instead they discovered a scientific process leading to atomic models.
