The chemist credited for inventing a set of symbols for writing elements and a system for writing the formulas of compounds (and for discovering selenium, silicon, and thorium) is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Berzelius. Berzelius is credited with inventing symbols for elements and a system for writing compound formulas. He also discovered selenium, silicon, and thorium. Berzelius made significant contributions to the field of chemistry.
A: Boyle is known for Boyle's Law related to gases, not for inventing chemical symbols or discovering elements.
B: Lavoisier is known as the father of modern chemistry but did not invent chemical symbols or discover these elements.
C: Priestly is known for discovering oxygen, but not for the specific contributions mentioned in the question.