Makers birthdays: Robert Bunsen

Happy Birthday Dr. Bunsen! On this day in 1811 was born a pioneer in chemistry, and a maker of tools! Robert Bunsen was a German chemist; he made many significant discoveries, including the use of iron oxide hydrate as a precipitating agent, still used as the primary antidote for arsenic poisoning. He is probably best known, however, for his co-creation of what is now known as the “Bunsen burner,” which he developed with Gustav Kirchhoff as an improvement on laboratory gas burners available at the time. Interestingly enough, Bunsen never filed a patent for any of his inventions, which makes me imagine him as an early proponent for open technologies. He was a well-loved professor, and for these things and more we celebrate today! Check out his Wikipedia page for more info.