Berzelius* version

In 1807 J.J. Berzelius (2), with Baron Hisinger as coauthor, published a paper based on the electrolysis of salt solutions. As a result of his extensive studies, he formulated an electrochemical series. He arranged 54 elements beginning with the negative elements oxygen, sulphur and selenium and concluding with the positive elements sodium and potassium. Berzelius version of the electrochemical series played an important and orientating role in the direction of the chemical research which was to follow. 

Laurent held firm, however, and continued to accumulate evidence to the effect that radicals were not as indestructible and untouchable as Berzelius insisted, and that one must not overemphasize the matter of positive and negative. Berzelius s anger barred Laurent from the more famous laboratories, and while Berzelius lived, his version of the radical theory remained in being by the sheer force of his... 

Berzelius JJ (1833) Jahresber Fortschr Phys Wissensch 12 63 (German version)... 

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