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This Bio-Module requires the use of the text book "Exploring Life" by Professor John Blamire.
In 1823 Johann Dobereiner blew a stream of hydrogen and oxygen gas over the surface of a piece of platinum metal. The hydrogen caught fire and water was produced. It seemed as if the metal (which was unchanged by the process) was acting as an agent to bring the two types of molecule together and promote the reaction between them. This was certainly the opinion of Jakob Berzelius thirteen years later when he invented the name catalyst. for any substance that helps break-down substances without becoming changed themselves.