In 1828, German chemist Friedrich Wöhler synthesized urea from inorganic compounds, a pivotal moment that challenged the prevailing vitalism theory, which held that organic compounds could only be produced by living organisms. This synthesis demonstrated that organic chemistry could be derived from inorganic sources, paving the way for modern organic chemistry and altering the scientific understanding of life processes.

Friedrich Wöhler's synthesis of urea bridged organic and inorganic chemistry, prompting questions about life's uniqueness that inspired materialist themes in literature. Poets such as John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley grappled with the implications of scientific advancements on human existence and creativity.