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When did scientists begin to accept bismuth as a separate metal?

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Bismuth was recognized as a distinct metal by the middle of the 18th century. Although it was known in early times, it was frequently confused with other metals such as lead, antimony, and tin for a long period.

Scientific acceptance was solidified through the publication of works on its chemistry by the German chemist Johann Heinrich Pott in 1739 and the French chemist Claude-François Geoffroy in 1753. Prior to this, the mineralogist Georgius Agricola had already Latinized the name to bisemutum and described its unique qualities and extraction methods.1