The concept of vitalism, which posited that organic compounds could only be produced by living organisms due to a mystical vital substance, was challenged in the early 19th century. A pivotal experiment by Wohler demonstrated that urea, an organic compound, could be synthesized from inorganic materials, effectively debunking the notion of a special life force. While the distinction between organic and inorganic chemistry remains relevant today, it is rooted in historical context rather than a fundamental difference in matter.
