Rutherford, Daniel (1749–1819)

British scientist. In 1772 he established the distinction between nitrogen (although he did not give it this name) and carbon dioxide. Rutherford later discovered the presence of nitrogen in air. Subsequent study on the constitution of natural gases was founded on his work. He invented a maximum-minimum thermometer in 1794. Rutherford was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied medicine at Edinburgh University.