what were the firstsubstnces to be discovered
The first substances to be discovered can be difficult to pinpoint since humans have been interacting with various materials for thousands of years. However, there are a few significant substances that were among the earliest to be discovered and recorded.
One of the most fundamental substances known to early civilizations was water. Water was essential for survival, and its properties were easily observed through its liquid state, ability to dissolve other substances, and role in supporting life.
Metals, such as copper and gold, were also discovered quite early. Copper was one of the first metals to be used by ancient civilizations, as it occurs naturally and can be easily shaped and manipulated. Gold, with its distinct color and scarcity, attracted early human attention and was valued for its aesthetic and monetary worth.
Moreover, natural minerals and rocks, like obsidian (a volcanic glass), flint (a type of hard rock), and various types of soil, were also identified and utilized by early humans for practical purposes, such as tool-making and shelter construction.
The discovery of these substances primarily relied on direct observation and experimentation. Early humans observed and interacted with their environment, collecting and manipulating materials for various purposes, gradually learning about their properties and potential uses.
Over time, as civilizations progressed and scientific methods developed, more substances were discovered, classified, and understood in greater detail. The study of chemistry and advancements in scientific techniques have further expanded our understanding of substances and introduced countless new discoveries in the field.