Final answer:
John Dalton is considered the father of chemical theory because of his foundational contributions to atomic theory, which were essential to the development of modern chemistry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The individual recognized as the father of chemical theory due to his contribution to the development of atomic theory is John Dalton. Dalton's work in the early 19th century provided a new way to understand the nature of matter, laying the foundation for modern chemistry. His atomic theory was based on the ideas of previous scientists like Robert Boyle and Antoine Lavoisier, but it was Dalton's use of experimental evidence and quantitative measurements that truly revolutionized the field. His principles, such as the law of multiple proportions and the concept that elements combine in fixed ratios by mass, were key developments in chemical science.
Dalton's atomic theory suggested that matter is composed of individual particles, or atoms, which combine in definite proportions to form compounds. This theory provided explanations for known chemical phenomena and predicted new ones, fundamentally shaping the scientific understanding of chemistry. Dalton's insights remain foundational in the field and his theory has undergone only minor revisions since its inception.