Re: WHO FIRST DISCOVERED METHANE GAS?

Hoo-Ah!

That (unfortunately) is almost like asking who discovered milk.  It's always 
been around.  Swanmp gas is methane and ancient stories of "will-o-the -
wisp" and "jack-o'-the-lantern" are swamp gas related.  It also plays a part 
in flatulance (farts).  Its one of those things that has always been around,  
and used/abused for fun and fear for millenia.

As an industrial product coal gas - which is methane related - and natural 
gas (which is 80% - 95% methane and found in coal seams) were used 
extensively in the industrial world for light and heat, as early as the 
early 1800's... first in Fredonia, NY on a large scale.  Those "gas lights" 
of London and old NY were methane powered - as is that bunsen burner on your 
lab bench.

Now - if your question is Who entered it as CH4 into the public record and 
When... Go visit your Bielstein.  Unfortunately I am currently unconnected 
with a university,  and can't get my hands on one.  But as a college 
freshman you can (and should).  This is an incredible reference of ALL 
organic chemical compounds since the 18th century.  If you have a seperate 
"science library" it will be there.  Otherwise ask the reference librarian 
to point you in the right direction.  Enjoy the search.  It's better than 
looking through old National Geographics.  Now... its in German, 
but happily names and dates are pretty universal.  The index is arranged by 
structure,  so methane will be right up front.

Here's a pages that will be useful in getting around Bielstien.
And don't be dissapointed if they won't tell you either - it may be like 
discovering milk... nobody knows who did it first. It's one of those things 
that's always just "been there."

Bielstien Dictionary (to help with the German)

http://www-sul.stanford.edu/depts/swain/beilstein/bedict1.html