Chemical evolution Solvay Conferences

TNC.56.1. Prigogine, NonequiUbrium thermodynamics and chemical evolution, in Aspects of Chemical Evolution, 17th Solvay Conference Chemistry, G. Nicohs, ed, Wiley, New Ycik 1980, pp. 43-62. 

Third, it makes it possible to observe on a real-time basis the evolution of the most short-lived transient of reacting particles, that is, to study the molecular dynamics of chemical reactions in a femtosecond time scale [2]. Many papers presented at the XXth Solvay Conference were devoted to this possibility of implementing one-dimensional resolution along the reaction coordinate. The time resolution At corresponds to the spatial resolution Az At(v), where (v) is the average velocity along the reaction coordinate, for example, the velocity of the reaction products. At v) 3 x 104 cm/s, the quantity At - 100 fs corresponds to a one-dimensional (longitudinal) resolution of Az - 0.3 A. 

Today, 70 years after the first Solvay Conference, nature appears to be as mysterious as before, even more so. However, the emphasis has shifted in our times to diversification as well as to the impact of man on nature. It is therefore very timely that this conference is devoted to Aspects of Chemical Evolution. ... 

All these considerations illuminate the foresight of Ernest Solvay when he envisaged liquidation after a few decades of his very successful foundation of Chemical Institutes in their original form. There are, of course, other patterns the evolution of international conferences in Chemistry proceeds without interruption. The present is an auspicious occasion. We are about to experience a Solvay pattern in another way, at this first joint conference of the Solvay Institutes with the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. A few carefully selected specialists have been brought together to discuss a quite limited range of topics around a central theme. From past experience of Solvay Conferences, this is a perennial means to achieve success. We may indeed look forward to stirring and fruitful discussions. 

Aspects of chemical evolution XVIIih Solvay Conference on Chemistry, Washington, D.C., April 23-April 24, 1980. 

The first part of the Conference was devoted to the historical role of the Solvay Institutes, and in particular of the Solvay Conferences on Physics and Chemistry, in promoting international scientific cooperation. The second part was devoted to some aspects of chemical evolution. This subject comprises an impressive number of different, yet complementary, questions having an interest in their own right. 

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