National Bunsen Burner Day

March 31st in National Bunsen Burner Day!

Ever wonder where the Bunsen burner got its’ name? It was named after German chemist Robert Wilhelm Eberhard von Bunsen. 

The Bunsen burner is used in science labs across the world, in schools and institutions. It can be used for heating, sterilization, and combustion. But what was it first invented for?

In 1852, Bunsen was hired at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, where they had begun to install coal burning lamps in the brand new science lab. While it was still under construction, Bunsen worked with it’s lead mechanic to construct the device, hoping to build something that was more efficient than existing models. After months of design, Bunsen was able to build a burner that not only illuminated spaces, but could be used in science experiments. 

March 31st is Bunsen’s birthday, so join us as we say, thank you Bunsen!