Genus Priestleya

For Joseph Priestley (1733–1804), English chemist, clergyman, philosopher, political theorist, and scientist, best known for his discovery of oxygen, possibly the inventor of soda-water, and he had an interest in electricity which he shared with Benjamin Franklin. A multi-talented man, he studied French, Italian, and German and published over 150 works ranging from political philosophy, education, theology, natural philosophy, history and a seminal work on English grammar. He was a member of almost every major scientific society, including being a Fellow of the Royal Society. An advocate of religious toleration and equal rights, he helped found Unitarianism in England. His views were controversial and he was forced to live his final 10 years in the United States.