1665 – 1728: John Woodward

In 1699, John Woodward (1665-1728), an English naturalist, antiquarian and geologist, challenged Helmont’s theoretical deductions by publishing the results of some of his “water culture” experiments conducted using spearmint cultivated in different sources of water. His experiments showed that the spearmint grew better in water to which he added small amounts of soil versus “plain” water and distilled water. Unfortunately, his research also led him to the conclusion that more than water was necessary for plant growth. That soil was at least partly responsible for the increase in the mass and weight of plants, indicating that he also failed to grasp the fundamental concepts of plant nutrition. By adding soil to the solution, he was only partially correct, as we will learn as time & science progresses.

John Woodward – Naturalist – Wikipedia>