<p>Johan Afzelius held the chair in chemistry at Uppsala University 1784-1820. His predecessor was the reputable Torbern Bergman, one of Afzelius’ students the famous Jacob Berzelius. The published scientific production of Afzelius is very limited. Afzelius has been described as with no interest of chemistry, reluctant to scientific innovations and as an opponent to the new "antiflogistic" chemistry. Also, he is believed to have given Jacob Berzelius hard times when Berzelius studied in Uppsala.</p><p>The study suggests that the judgement of Johan Afzelius should be revised. It appears that the above description of Afzelius is to be regarded as an artefact. So, Afzelius, besides being devoted to mineralogy, was keen at chemistry, interested in scientific innovations, and from 1799 on no opponent to the new chemistry.</p>

Johan Afzelius held the chair in chemistry at Uppsala University 1784-1820. His predecessor was the reputable Torbern Bergman, one of Afzelius’ students the famous Jacob Berzelius. The published scientific production of Afzelius is very limited. Afzelius has been described as with no interest of chemistry, reluctant to scientific innovations and as an opponent to the new "antiflogistic" chemistry. Also, he is believed to have given Jacob Berzelius hard times when Berzelius studied in Uppsala. The study suggests that the judgement of Johan Afzelius should be revised. It appears that the above description of Afzelius is to be regarded as an artefact. So, Afzelius, besides being devoted to mineralogy, was keen at chemistry, interested in scientific innovations, and from 1799 on no opponent to the new chemistry.