Soul of chemistry

These are just a few examples of chemical changes that affect each of us. Chemical reactions are the heart and soul of chemistry, and in this chapter we will discuss fundamental ideas about chemical reactions. 

The Soul in Nature with Supplementary Contributions Observations on the History of Chemistry A Lecture 1805-1807 (p. 322)... 

Until now chemistry has employed for the decomposition of bodies no other agent which was more proper than fire. Fire has been its universal solvent, or nearly always the soul of its other solvents, it has recognized the mixts only in so far as it has known their contexture develop their principles. ... 

The concerns of the biochemist, as outlined in chapter 3 of part 2, address the automobile s most dangerous component—the one located directly behind the wheel. But biochemists are also concerned with the sources and management of alternative materials harvested from the biosphere. In chapter 4 of part 2, we consider the efforts of analytical chemists and find that these intrepid souls draw from all of the above described disciplines. It is the job of the analytical chemist to certify the consistency and quality of many materials, including materials for cars, and in some instances, the consistency and quality of human life—as we will see when we consider the contributions of this field to crime-solving as well as cars. In chapter 5, we peer into our crystal ball to see the future of chemistry a universe of new sources and substances. These new materials will no doubt lead to remarkable innovations—and, of course, new cars ... 

One question arises immediately Is there not at least one standard hst of abbreviations of journal titles In 1922, the abbreviations used in the List of Periodicals Abstracted by Chemical Abstracts (8) were adopted as a standard by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. Crane and Patterson (12) commented in 1927 that these abbreviations have not been accepted universally, but their use is increasing, and Soule (4 ) added in 1938 that the adoption of the List of Periodicals Abstracted by Chemical Abstracts by the International Union of Chemistry gives the list a definite status and increases the probability of its wider adoption in the near future."... 

Theory, a philosophically acceptable substitute for fiction, like fiction, takes us away from the actual material world, away from the work-a-day world of the experimental chemist. There is a long tradition in philosophy that has tried to deny our clay-footed nature to see in us—and in our world—a more important, more fundamental, immaterial something, perhaps a soul and/or a set of first principles. Plato s peculiar ontological inversion, where the material world is, but an imperfect copy of such a realm of ideas, spells trouble for the philosophy of chemistry. Seeing chemistry—philosophically seeing chemistry—is perhaps like seeing our mortality. Denial is an enormously effective strategy. 

Henry tried to win souls for chemistry everywhere and I was an easy target. Because of his persuasiveness I don t remember seriously considering any other profession. In recent years when I decided to return to Arizona he supported me by coming to Arizona State University each year for several in a row as a guest speaker who could not be scheduled for too many talks. 

Clara Immerwahr was not sure she was suited for marriage. At 30, she had a teaching certificate and a doctorate, the first earned by a woman at the University of Breslau. Her degree was in chemistry, and she was eager for a research career. Nonetheless, after only three days, she accepted his proposal. Otherwise, she said, one chord of my soul would lie fallow. ... 

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