Description

This book offers an account of the field of physical chemistry as it has evolved over the years, from its emergence as a distinct discipline in the late 19th century through today's miracle discoveries. The book covers all the main branches of physical chemistry: thermodynamics, kinetic theory, statistical mechanics, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, quantum chemistry, and colloid and surface chemistry. It describes the difficulties faced by early investigators resulting from attitudes of the churches, governments, and even the universities, which tended to emphasize classical studies. The book also discusses the way in which physical scientists have communicated with each other over the course of the discipline's history. Teachers, researchers and students of physical chemistry as well as physicists and historians of science will find this lively book interesting and informative.

Reviews

"Even nonspecialist readers will find much to enjoy. Laidler, in his carefully researched and scholarly volume, spans the development of physical chemistry. . . . has provided a masterly survey of the field, which will help to put the record straight." --Nature

"A book every professor should own for its wealth of information on the human dimensions of the subject. At the same time, it provides some sense of the flow of the history of chemistry. . . . great fun and entertainment, and at the same time, a simply marvellous presentation of the science. . . . his forays into history are accurate and well chosen. The springboard to understanding of physical chemistry." --Choice

Product Details

488 pages; 57 illus.; ISBN13: 978-0-19-855919-1ISBN10: 0-19-855919-4

About the Author(s)