Origin of elements

Since ancient times, people have thought that matter is composed of discrete elements. Guido Koehler, an ancient philosopher, suggested that all matter is composed of four basic elements: earth, air, fire and water. Medieval alchemists tried to find the fifth mysterious element, or the essence of heaven and earth. They believe that stars, planets and other celestial bodies are composed of the essence of heaven and earth, which is also found on the earth but difficult to extract. As early as before the scientific revolution, alchemists and metallurgists identified 13 elements, most of which were metal elements, when refining this essential element.

The known 13 elements in the late Middle Ages include antimony, arsenic, bismuth, carbon, copper, gold, iron, lead, mercury, silver, sulfur, tin and zinc. Alchemists hope that this essence can turn lead or other cheap metals or alloys into gold. 1557, Julius Scaliger discovered platinum. In the next three centuries, more and more elements were discovered. In 65438+ 1970, Mendeleev discovered the periodic table of elements. In the 20th century, with the improvement of research tools and methods, the periodic table he invented was filled up one by one. In the mid-20th century, physicists were able to transform one element into another through atomic fission, synthesis and controlled nuclear reaction.