Element discovery refers to the process of identifying and isolating new chemical elements from natural sources or through synthetic means. Scientists, known as chemists, use various techniques to study the properties of substances and determine their elemental composition. This process has led to the identification of 118 confirmed elements on the periodic table, ranging from common ones like oxygen to rare ones like francium. Historically, element discovery has evolved significantly, starting with ancient civilizations recognizing metals like gold and silver. The modern era saw breakthroughs in the 19th and 20th centuries, with scientists such as Dmitri Mendeleev and Marie Curie contributing to our understanding of elements and their interactions. Today, researchers continue to explore the potential for discovering new elements, particularly through advanced technologies and particle accelerators.