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Life
?1763-1825; b. Collooney, Co. Sligo; nephew of Bryan Higgins [infra]; chemist, claimed discovery of atomic theory against Dalton in Experiments and Observations (1814), and thereby originator of atomic theory in 19th century form; stayed with Bryan Higgins in London as a boy; ed. Oxford; Comparative View of Phlogistic and Anti-Phlogistic Theories (1798), refuting theory of phlogiston and suggesting existence of atoms and attraction between them; also enunciated law of multiple proportions; chemist at Apoethecaries Hall, Dublin, 1792; librarian of RDS, 1795; devised economic bleaching process for Linen Board; Prof. of Chemistry, RDS, and MRIA, being fndg. member of Kirwinian Society; FRS, 1806; d. 71 Grafton St. Biog., Partington and Wheeler, Life and Works (London 1960). ODNB DIB
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Criticism
T. S. Wheeler & J. B. Partington, The Life and Work of William Higgins, Chemist 1763-1825 (1960), ills.
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References
Hyland (Cat. 214) lists T. S. Wheeler & J. B. Partington, The Life and Work of William Higgins, Chemist 1763-1825 (1960), ills.
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