Short Biography from the History of Science

Overview

Robert Boyle (1627-1692) was a seventeenth-century British scientist, or "natural philosopher," who made important contributions in physics and chemistry. His emphasis on experimentation and documenting results helped establish the use of the modern scientific method. Many scholars regard him as one of the first modern chemists, for his role in establishing chemistry as a separate discipline from alchemy. (Johns, 41-47) One of his most notable accomplishments was the formulation of "Boyle's law," which notes that the volume of a gas varies inversely to the pressure on it.

In support of his research on gases, he invented a vacuum chamber, or air pump. His contributions in physics also include contributions to the study of sound and color, as well as the atomic theory of matter. Boyle was the son of the Earl of Cork, one of the most powerful Anglo-Irish aristocrats, the transplanted English aristocracy that ruled Ireland. (Johns, 41-47) His family's wealth enabled him to focus entirely on research and writing. Boyle was one of the originators of the Royal Society, which began as an informal society of Boyle and his learned friends. Chartered in 1660, the society became one of the leading scientific organizations in the world.

Boyle was noted both for his dedication to the scientific method as well as for his devout Christian faith. In addition to his scientific works, he wrote extensively in theology and established a lecture series to promote Christianity. He also funded the publication of the Bible in Irish. Robert Boyle was born on January 25, 1627, at Lismore Castle in Ireland. As the youngest son of Richard Boyle, the first Earl of Cork, the boy was a member of the "Anglo-Irish" aristocracy which ruled the island. (Johns, 41-47) Originally from England, Richard Boyle became immensely wealthy in Ireland, eventually serving as the country's Lord High Treasurer.

Robert was educated first at home, and then entered Eton College in England at the age of eight. When he was twelve, Boyle was sent on the "grand tour" of Europe commonly made by aristocratic youth. He traveled around the continent for the next several years with his older brother, Francis, visiting France, Switzerland, and Italy. (Johns, 41-47)

His studies focused largely on theology and the humanities, particularly languages and history, though he also studied mathematics. Boyle returned home in 1644, following the death of his father. Now independently wealthy, he settled in 1646 at Stalbridge manor in Dorset, England. A committed bachelor, he devoted himself to experimental research, establishing a laboratory at Stalbridge in 1649. Early scientific works include the treatise "Of the Atomicall Philosophy" (c.1652-1654), which considered the atomic theory of matter. He also began the chemical studies which resulted in his major work of 1661, "The Sceptical Chymist." (Johns, 41-47)

The Royal Society

In addition to his scientific interests, Boyle also wrote on many other subjects, including ethics and theology. His early works include ethical treatises, such as "Aretology" (1645-46), and theological papers. It was at Stalbridge that Boyle ...