Liebig (1803-1873) improved the teaching of chemistry by making chemistry a distinct field of study, separate from pharmacy. Previously, chemistry had been taught as part of pharmacy to pharmacists and doctors. He also instituted a structured plan of study that included laboratory experience, and he began a systematic study of organic chemistry (which was largely unknown until that point). Using a five-bulb mechanism that contained potash, he was able to burn an organic compound with copper oxide and identify the products of the oxidation. Liebig's process enabled chemists to more accurately determine the carbon content of organic compounds, and it was a faster process than what had existed before. As a result, he and his students were able to better understand organic compounds and to improve the teaching and understanding of organic chemistry.
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