The earliest years of Döbereiner's life did not suggest a brilliant future. He was born in Hof, Bavaria, on December 13, 1780, of poor parents. His father was a coachman who could provide Johann with only the most basic education. Although Döbereiner did attend a few lectures in chemistry, botany, mineralogy, philosophy, and languages, he was largely self-taught. Yet, he developed unusual skill in chemical research and caught the eye of Duke Carl August in 1810. Duke Carl appointed Döbereiner to the position of professor extraordinary in chemistry at Jena, a position he held throughout the rest of his academic life.

Döbereiner was a man of far-ranging interests and accomplishments. He conducted research on the manufacture of vinegar, the abundance of elements in the earth's crust, the use of mineral waters for medical purposes, and many other topics in general, pharmaceutical, and analytical...