Justus Von Liebig was a German chemist who made important contributions to the development of organic chemistry, and is considered the "father" of agricultural chemistry. His first academic position was gained in 1824, at the age of only 21 years, wh en he was appointed an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Giessen. Von Liebig is best known as the originator of the "Law of the Minimum" and the concept of radicals, and as the discoverer of chloroform. Von Liebig's most enduring influences were the demonstration of the importance of quantitative analysis in chemical research and teaching, and showing that chemistry was relevant to the needs of society, through agricultural production, medicine, and sanitation. Von Liebig was famous during his own time, and is now considered one of the most influential chemists of the nineteenth century.

Von Liebig's work in agricultural chemistry demonstrated that plants had a requirement...