SUBJECT

The History of Chemistry

lecture

Master

Faculty of Science

Chemistry MSc

2

Semesters 1-4

Autumn/Spring semester

The milestones in chemical way of thinking and technologies. The most famous chemists from the ancient times to the end of the 20th century. The development of natural philosophy during centuries. The chemistry in the Bible and Pliny, the elder books. Alchemy and alchemists. The beginning of modern chemistry. Atomistic theories. Elements and their discoveries. Conservation laws. The birth and development of subdisciplines: chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry, reaction kinetics, aniline and organic dyes and medicines. Chemical symbols. Periodic tables. The advance of chemical methods and technologies. Chemistry and environment. From the vis vitalis to the gentechnologies. The development of scientific communication (universities, journals, conferences)

Compulsory: 

• K.J. Laidler: The World of Physical Chemistry, Oxford Univ Press, Oxford, 1993 

• J. Hudson: The History of Chemistry, MacMillan, London, 1992

Suggested:

• J.R. Partington: A History of Chemistry I-IV, MacMillan, London, 1964 

• and original publications of the most famous chemists