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About when Isaac Newton was busy dodg-
ing falling apples, German alchemists were
evaporating urine in their experiments,
which led to the discovery of phosphorus.
It can be found in several colors, among
them white, red, and purple. Our DNA and
cells crave it to function properly. It is also
essential in agriculture as fertilizer. Red
phosphorus is used in the striking surfaces
of matches and flares and in cap gun caps.
IT ALL STARTED WITH PEE!
THE LIVELY ELEMENT
DISCOVERY YEAR: 1669
MELTING POINT
BOILING POINT
DENSITY
(WHITE PHOSPHORUS)
(WHITE PHOSPHORUS)
Solid
Mineral
The nitrogen
family
The white
parts of
bird’s nest
The three
essential
plant
element ...