On the periodic table, the element discovered in 1669 by Hennig Brand was phosphorus.
Brand, a German alchemist, produced phosphorus while experimenting with urine in an attempt to find the philosopher’s stone. The material glowed faintly in air, a property that helped inspire its name from the Greek words meaning “light-bearer.” Phosphorus has atomic number 15 and is in group 15.
The element occurs in several allotropes. White phosphorus is waxy, toxic, and highly reactive, while red phosphorus is more stable and is used on the striking surfaces of safety matches. Black phosphorus is another, less common allotrope with a layered structure.
Phosphorus is also essential to life. It forms part of DNA, RNA, ATP, and phosphate minerals in bones and teeth. Its discovery is often cited as the first element discovered by a documented individual in the modern scientific era.