Kawamoto Kōmin

Based on his specialized knowledge, he test-manufactured sugar,[a][5] matches,[6][7] and daguerreotype,[6] which contributed to the development of technology in Japan.

[b][1][5][3][6] He is also noted as the first person to have used the Sino-Xenic term kagaku (化学) for chemistry now standard for Japanese and other influenced Eastern languages.

In 1827, he studied kampo (traditional Chinese pharmacology) at Konashi (木梨) Village (now Kato, Hyogo) for about a year.

[13][6] Two years later in 1829, Kuki Takakuni [ja] (九鬼隆国), the lord of Sanda Domain, was impressed by Kawamoto's talent and had him study Western medicine in Edo (now Tokyo).

[13] Two years later in 1861, he published his famous Kagaku Shinsho (化学新書), which introduced modern chemistry from the West to a Japanese audience.

one of the most important works on chemistry in the Edo period, as well as Seimi Kaiso (舎密開宗) written by Udagawa Yōan.

Kawamoto improved Kikai Kanran (気海観瀾), the first book on physics in Japan, originally written by Aochi Rinso [ja] (青地林宗), who was his father-in-law.

[6][18][19][20] Ensei Kiki Jutsu (遠西奇器述) was published in 1854, a manual on many kinds of machinery and instruments such as steamship, daguerreotype, and telegraph.

[17] It is now considered to be one of the most prominent books on chemistry in late Edo period as well as Seimi Kaisō (舎密開宗) written by Udagawa Yōan.

In the explanation of chemical compounds, the concept of formation of molecules with bonding was described with figures, in which John Dalton's atomic theory was first introduced to Japan.

[5][12]。 In organic chemistry section, it was explained that plant component consists of four kinds of elements i.e. hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen.