Physical Chemistry from Ostwald to Pauling by John W. Servos

by John W. Servos

John Servos explains the emergence of physical chemistry in America by presenting a series of lively portraits of such pivotal figures as Wilhelm Ostwald, A. A. Noyes, G. N. Lewis, and Linus Pauling, and of key institutions, including MIT, the University of California at Berkeley, and Caltech. In the early twentieth century, physical chemistry was a new hybrid science, the molecular biology of its time. The names of its progenitors were familiar to everyone who was scientifically literate; studies of aqueous solutions and of chemical thermodynamics had transformed scientific knowledge of chemical affinity. By exploring the relationship of the discipline to industry and to other sciences, and by tracing the research of its leading American practitioners, Servos shows how physical chemistry was eclipsed by its own offspring--specialties like quantum chemistry.

Paperback

First published March 18, 1996

Reviews

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no wonder that this book, first published in 1990, remains in print. Servos provides both history and science with aplomb and delivers a rigorous and readable history of the revolution in chemistry ca. 1880-1932. The asks and resolves the question, how did the United States, move from a backwater of chemistry to the forefront in the half century between 1880 and 1930? Drawing on a wealth of primary and secondary sources, replete with scientific notations, quotes from letters, applications, and journal articles, the book reveals the mystery by following the the career of Arthur A. Noyes and how he built a reputation and research agenda first at MIT and then Caltech. Anyone interested in the history of twentieth century science, chemistry, or American science should add this one to their "want to read" list!