普里斯特利(1733～1804年)

Priestley, Joseph

英国神学者、政论家和自然科学家。做过各种科目的老师和讲师，1767年加入政府部门。早期科学研究成果见於他的《电的历史和现状》（1767）一书，成为该领域的基本教材。他的《政府论》（1768）影响了後来的实用主义。他在化学反应和变化领域做出了重要工作。他是氮、一氧化碳、氨和其他一些气体的发现者，1774年他第一个探测到了氧气；他的报告使得拉瓦节重覆实验，推知出氧气的性质和作用，并命名了它。他的神学着作包括《基督教的讹传教义史》（1782），1785年作为冒渎之物被焚烧，还有《基督教概史》（6卷，1790～1802）。他的不从国教派宗教观点和政治活动，尤其是对法国大革命的支持，使他逐渐在英格兰受到争议，最後他於1794年移居美国。

English version：

1733～1804年

Priestley, Joseph

English theologian, political theorist, and physical scientist. He worked as a teacher and lecturer in various subjects before joining the ministry in 1767. His early scientific studies resulted to his History and Present State of Electricity (1767), which became a fundamental text in the field. His Essay on Government (1768) influenced later utilitarianism. He did important work in the field of chemical reactions and change. He is considered the discoverer of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and several other gases, and in 1774 he became the first to identify oxygen; his report led Antoine Lavoisier to repeat the experiment, deduce oxygen's nature and role, and name it. His theological works include History of the Corruptions of the Christian Church (1782), burned as sacrilegious in 1785, and A General History of the Christian Church (6 vols., 1790-1802). His nonconformist religious views and his political activities, particularly in support of the French Revolution, made him increasingly controversial in England, and he emigrated to the U.S. in 1794.