Enjoying Organic Chemistry 1927 1987

"The selection criteria were numerous. Each individual had to have made seminal contributions to organic chemistry over a multidecade career. (The average age of the authors is over 70!) Profiles would represent scientists born and professionally productive in different countries. (Chemistry in 13 countries is detailed.) Taken together, these individuals were to have conducted research in nearly all sub-specialties of organic chemistry. Invitations to contribute were based on solicited advice and on recommendations of chemists from five continents, including nearly all of the contributors. The final assemblage was selected entirely and exclusively by me. Not all who were invited chose to participate, and not all who should have been invited could be asked." "A very detailed four-page document was sent to the contributors, in which they were informed that the objectives of the series were" "1. to delineate the overall scientific development of organic chemistry during the past 30--40 years, a period during which this field has dramatically changed and matured;" "2. to describe the development of specific areas of organic chemistry; to highlight the crucial discoveries and to examine the impact they have had on the continuing development in the field;" "3. to focus attention on the research of some of the seminal contributors to organic chemistry; to indicate how their research programs progressed over a 20--40-year period; and" "4. to provide a documented source for individuals interested in the hows and whys of the development of modern organic chemistry.".

This book provides an historical overview of the recent developments in the history of diverse fields within chemistry. It follows on from Recent Developments in the History of Chemistry, a volume published in 1985. Covering chiefly the last 20 years, the primary aim of Chemical History: Reviews of the Recent Literature is to familiarise newcomers to the history of chemistry with some of the more important developments in the field. Starting with a general introduction and look at the early history of chemistry, subsequent chapters go on to investigate the traditional areas of chemistry (physical, organic, inorganic) alongside analytical chemistry, physical organic chemistry, medical chemistry and biochemistry, and instruments and apparatus. Topics such as industrial chemistry and chemistry in national contexts, whilst not featuring as separate chapters, are woven throughout the content. Each chapter is written by experts and is extensively referenced to the international chemical literature. Chemical History: Reviews of the Recent Literature is also ideal for chemists who wish to become familiar with historical aspects of their work. In addition, it will appeal to a wider audience interested in the history of chemistry, as it draws together historical materials that are widely scattered throughout the chemical literature.

Chemistry in the last century was characterized by spectacular growth and advances, stimulated by revolutionary theories and experimental breakthroughs. Yet, despite this rapid development, the history of this scientific discipline has achieved only recently the status necessary to understand the effects of chemistry on the scientific and technological culture of the modern world. This book addresses the bridging of boundaries between chemistry and the other "classical" disciplines of science, physics and biology as well as the connections of chemistry to mathematics and technology. Chemical research is represented as an interconnected patchwork of scientific specialties, and this is shown by a mixture of case studies and broader overviews on the history of organic chemistry, theoretical chemistry, nuclear- and cosmochemistry, solid state chemistry, and biotechnology. All of these fields were at the center of the development of twentieth century chemistry, and the authors cover crucial topics such as the emergence of new subdisciplines and research fields, the science-technology relationship, and national styles of scientific work. This monograph represents a unique treasure trove for general historians and historians of science, while also appealing to those interested in the theoretical background and development of modern chemistry.

Provides more than 500 sources of information on scientists for young and adult general readers and for scholars. These sources explain scientists' accomplishments in the context of the personal and career developments that made those accomplishments possible

Robert Burns Woodward was the star of 20th-century organic chemistry. An MIT graduate by age 19, Woodward's ingenious notions about organic synthesis and his artful methodology were astounding. He is most famed for his synthesis of vitamin B12,which he undertook with Albert Eschenmoser, and for the orbital symmetry rules he developed with Roald Hoffmann. This volume presents Woodward's most celebrated papers and lectures--including the famous Cope lecture. Insightful commentaries and rarely seen photographs are also included.

Tetsuo Nozoe, while working in Formosa from 1926-1948, initiated the field of nonbenzenoid aromatic compounds. Nozoe describes the growth of Japanese science and academic institutions during the 20th century. Nozoe presents the "Majima organic chemistry tree" which illustrates Japanese academic connections starting with the early 20th century chemist-scholar Riko Majima. Also included are 79 photographs and many pages from Nozoe's autograph books which date back to the early 1950's.