It's difficult to pinpoint a single discoverer of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), as its understanding and production have evolved over time. Here's a breakdown:

* Ancient times: People likely encountered sodium hydroxide indirectly through the use of lye, a mixture of potassium and sodium hydroxides obtained from wood ashes. This was used for soap making, textile processing, and other purposes.

* 18th century: Chemists like Robert Boyle and Carl Wilhelm Scheele studied and experimented with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) through various chemical reactions.

* 19th century: Industrial production of sodium hydroxide significantly developed, with methods like the Leblanc process (1791) and the Castner-Kellner process (1890s) being key advancements.

Therefore, it's not accurate to attribute the "discovery" to a single person. Rather, sodium hydroxide's understanding and production developed through the contributions of numerous scientists and inventors over centuries.