Expanded Definition of Chemist

A chemist is a scientist who studies the composition and properties of substances. The discipline a chemist practices, chemistry, originates from several earlier practices, stemming from ancient times. Chemists commonly have a heavy involvement in research, in order to build on the body of knowledge, by testing and uncovering properties and uses of substances. The expertise of a chemist is called upon within various important interdisciplinary efforts, including medicine, pharmacology, engineering, and earth sciences. Educational requirements for chemistry careers include a Bachelor of Science degree or degree of higher standing.
Chemistry has its roots in alchemy, a discipline spanning from ancient times until the eighteenth century, which sought such things as to transform base metals into “noble” metals like gold and discovering an elixir of youth. The main focus was upon dissolving substances into their component parts, and determining how to piece these parts into “perfected” creations. The commonly titled “father of chemistry”, Robert Boyle was an alchemist. These early alchemy practitioners discovered processes which made progress in a variety of areas like ore testing and refining, metalworking, production of gunpowder, ink, dyes, paints, cosmetics, leather tanning, ceramics, glass manufacture, and preparation of extracts and liquors.
Chemistry research has led to the discovery and development of new and improved drugs, plastics, cleaners, and thousands of other now commonplace products. Chemists work in basic and applied research. In basic research, chemists investigate the properties, composition, and structure of matter. They also experiment with the laws that govern the combination of elements and reactions of substances to each other. They study the structures and chemical properties of various materials to develop new products or enhance existing ones. Basic research adds to the body of knowledge, and other chemists can use the