John William Draper

John William Draper

John William Draper (May 5, 1811 – January 4, 1882) was an English-American scientist, philosopher, physician, chemist, historian, and photographer. He is known for his pioneering work in photography, his contributions to the field of chemistry, and his historical writings.

Early Life and Education

John William Draper was born in St. Helens, Lancashire, England. He was the son of John Christopher Draper, a Wesleyan clergyman, and Sarah Ripley. Draper received his early education at the local grammar school and later attended Woodhouse Grove School.

In 1832, Draper emigrated to the United States with his family. He enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania where he earned his M.D. degree in 1836.

Scientific Contributions

Photography

Draper made significant contributions to the field of photography. He is credited with producing the first clear photograph of a female face in 1840. Draper also took one of the earliest photographs of the Moon.

Chemistry

Draper conducted extensive research in chemistry, particularly in the area of photochemistry. He formulated the Draper's Law, which states that the amount of chemical change is proportional to the intensity of light and the time of exposure.

Medicine

As a physician, Draper was a professor of chemistry and physiology at the University of the City of New York, now known as New York University (NYU). He was instrumental in the establishment of the NYU Medical School.

Historical Writings

Draper is also known for his historical writings. His most famous work, History of the Conflict between Religion and Science (1874), argued that there is an intrinsic conflict between science and religion. This book was widely read and translated into several languages.

Personal Life

Draper married Antonia Coetana de Paiva Pereira Gardner in 1839. They had several children, including Henry Draper, who became a notable physician and astronomer.

Legacy

John William Draper left a lasting legacy in multiple fields. His work in photography paved the way for future developments, and his historical writings sparked significant debate. Draper was a founding member of the American Chemical Society and served as its first president.

See Also

• Henry Draper
• History of photography
• Photochemistry
• History of science