July: Balard discovers bromine

In 1826, Antoine-Jerome Balard discovered in sea-water a substance which he recognized as a previously unknown element and named it bromine.   Bromine comes from the Greek 'bromos' meaning 'stench'.   The announcement of the discovery was made in the 'Annales de chimie et de physique' which the RSC has in its archive (complete reference below). 

Bromine is used in the manufacture of dyes, medicines and disinfectants however one of its' major uses is in the making of flame retardant materials.   It is the only liquid non-metallic element at room temperature. 

- Balard, A-J. "Memoire sur une substance particuliere continue dans l'eau de la mer," Ann Chim phys., [2], 32, 337-81 (1826) -