Joseph Priestley found oxygen and Lavoisier named it. which means "acid former Priestley, Joseph(1733-1804) Philosopher, scientist and unorthodox theologian, Joseph Priestley is perhaps best known for his discovery of oxygen while performing experiments with gases in 1774 Ultimately, Priestley identified nine distinct gases, including carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. He is credited with developing a sound method for infusing carbon dioxide into water, thus establishing himself as the father of carbonationJoseph Priestley found oxygen and Lavoisier named it, which means “acid former” Priestley, Joseph (1733-1804) Philosopher, scientist and unorthodox theologian , Joseph Priestley is perhaps best known for his discovery of oxygen while performing experiments with gases in 1774. Ultimately, Priestley identified nine distinct gases, including carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. He is credited with developing a sound method for infusing carbon dioxide into water, thus establishing himself as the father of carbonation