Why is dalton credited with proposing the first atomic theory if democritus was talking about atoms almost 2,200 years earlier?

The reason why Dalton was credited with proposing the first atomic theory even though  Democritus was talking about atoms almost 2,200 years earlier is because Dalton's idea about the atom was based on experimental evidences.

Science is highly empirical. Unlike the arts and humanities, science does not depend on mere thoughts and ideas.

The propositions of Democritus relied more on thoughts rather than scientific/empirical basis.

On the other hand, the propositions of Dalton relied on empiricism.

Hence, Dalton is credited with proposing the first atomic theory though  Democritus was talking about atoms almost 2,200 years earlier.

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