Samuel Hopkins: Biography & Achievements Early Life Born: December 9, 1743 (likely in Maryland or Pennsylvania) Background: A Quaker farmer and self-taught chemist in Philadelphia Key Influence: Worked in agriculture, leading to his interest in soil fertility and potash (a key fertilizer). Historic Achievement First U.S. Patent (July 31, 1790): Invention: Improved "potash process" for producing potassium carbonate (used in soap, glass, and gunpowder). Signed by: President George Washington, Attorney General Edmund Randolph, and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. Patent #: "X1" (the very first issued under the 1790 Patent…