Final answer:
Modern chemistry began with the exploration of both qualitative and quantitative aspects of matter, particularly with Dalton's atomic theory in 1807, the development of the periodic table by Mendeleev, and advancements in electrochemistry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modern chemistry is considered to have started when scientists began systematically studying both the qualitative and quantitative aspects of matter. Scientific progress in chemistry advanced significantly with John Dalton's atomic theory in 1807, which allowed for the calculation of the relative masses of elements in compounds, and subsequently, the quantitative description of substance compositions. The foundation for modern chemistry was further laid by significant contributions in electrochemistry following Alessandro Volta's creation of the battery, and through the development of gas laws by Robert Boyle, which described the behavior of gases mathematically.
Important Developments in Chemistry
Further contributions in the 19th century by scientists such as Dmitri Mendeleev, who developed the periodic table, and the studies in the field of electrochemistry by Humphry Davy and Michael Faraday, shaped modern chemistry. These developments allowed for the identification of nearly 70 natural elements and paved the way for the future direction of chemical research.
Throughout the 1800s, chemists continued to discover new compounds and develop a more theoretical approach to chemical research, leading to new materials including various types of batteries. This era marks a rich period in the history of chemistry that forever changed our understanding of substances and their interactions.