Jan Ingenhousz: Google marks 287th birthday of scientist who discovered photosynthesis

Today Google has paid tribute to the Dutch physician, chemist and engineer, on what would have been his 287th birthday.

Together with an illustration of the man himself, Google said: “We celebrate the lasting contributions of this scientist to our understanding of the natural world.

“For those digging into their biology textbooks this school year, be sure to thank Jan Ingenhousz!”

Who was Jan Ingenhousz?

Jan Ingenhousz was a scientist born on December 8, 1730, in Breda, the Netherlands.

The pioneering Dutch scientist studied medicine at the University of Leuven at the young age of 16.

He obtained his MD from the prestigious university in 1753.

In 1755 he returned to his hometown of Breda, and began to practice as a physician.

His passion then brought him to London, where he developed an interest in working with people who were at risk of smallpox.

The scientist quickly made valuable acquaintances in London, and eventually became a master inoculator of smallpox.

Ingenhousz became a famous name when he successfully inoculated the family of the Austrian-Hungarian ruler, Maria Theresa.

Google explains: “Inoculations consisted of pricking the skin with a needle that had been dipped into the pus of an infected person’s wound – not a very pleasant-sounding business!”

His success gained him the position of the empress' family doctor.

England is where Ingenhousz made his most famous discovery, photosynthesis.

In 1767 he managed to inoculate 700 villagers against the disease.

His skill and reputation meant he soon was asked to provide the same service to the family of King George III.

He is credited to discovering this process, in which plants convert light energy into fuel.

Google explained: “Though it was already known that plants produced and absorbed gases, it was Ingenhousz who first noticed that oxygen was produced by leaves in sunlight, and carbon dioxide produced in darkness.”

Ingenhousz also discovered that all plants could also “damage” air, by emitting carbon dioxide.

The pioneering scientist published his findings in 1779, opening a deeper understanding into plant life.

Ingenhousz’s research did not stop there.

He also conducted research into electricity, heat conduction and chemistry.

He died at Bowood House in England in 1799.