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The history of chemistry spans millennia, with early civilizations experimenting with materials and processes. Ancient Egyptians, for example, practiced alchemy, a precursor to modern chemistry, attempting to transform base metals into gold. The foundation of modern chemistry was laid in the 17th and 18th centuries with the rise of experimental methods and the development of the scientific method. Key figures like Robert Boyle, Antoine Lavoisier, and John Dalton made significant contributions through their groundbreaking work on elements, compounds, and atomic theory. The 19th century saw the discovery of the periodic table, the development of organic chemistry, and the emergence of chemical engineering. Today, chemistry continues to evolve, with breakthroughs in areas like nanotechnology, materials science, and biotechnology.