Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did Joseph Priestley’s pneumatic trough help scientists study gases that dissolve in water?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Joseph Priestley’s improved pneumatic trough was instrumental in the study of gases because it allowed him to collect and examine gases that were soluble in water. While previous methods relied on water to trap gases, Priestley designed an apparatus that used mercury instead. Because these specific gases did not dissolve in mercury, he was able to isolate and study them effectively for the first time.1