Robert Boyle is regarded as the first modern chemist in which field?

Robert Boyle is recognized as the first modern chemist, particularly in the field of physical chemistry, due to his pioneering work in understanding the behavior of gases and the relationship between pressure and volume, famously encapsulated in Boyle's Law. He emphasized the importance of experimentation and the scientific method, which laid the groundwork for later developments in chemistry.

Boyle's contributions included the idea that gases consist of particles that behave in predictable ways under various conditions, which is a core principle of physical chemistry. His work also marked a significant shift from alchemical traditions to a more scientific, empirical approach to chemistry, further establishing the foundation for the eventual emergence of the field as we know it today.

His focus on quantifying the relationships between physical properties of substances, such as pressure and temperature, connected him to the principles of physical chemistry that explore the physical properties and transformations of matter at a molecular or atomic level. Other branches mentioned, such as biochemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry, developed later and are distinct in their specific areas of focus and application.