Theoretical chemistry from the standpoint of Avogadro's rule & thermodynamics / [Walther Nernst].

  • Nernst, Walther, 1864-1941.
Date:
1911
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: Theoretical chemistry from the standpoint of Avogadro's rule & thermodynamics / [Walther Nernst]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/840
    PREFACE TO THE FIRST GERMAN EDITION The following presentation of Theoretical Chemistry is a development of an “introduction” which I wrote two years ago for the Handbuch der anorganischen Chemie, edited by Dr. 0. Dammer (vol. i. pp. 1-358). In keeping with the broader requirements of an independent text-book—not merely an introduction to a special work—it has been considerably rearranged and extended. The necessity for this was further made clear on consideration of the latest investigations, which, without causing any material change in the more recent theories, have nevertheless developed them to a surprising extent. I believe that at present there has come a period of quiet but fruitful toil for the investigator of physical chemistry. The ideas are not only at hand, but they have attained a certain maturity. New theories of value are always fruitful, in that they are followed by a period of enthusiastic activity; thus at present we sqp the powers of investigation of many civilised nations occupied with rare unanimity in the hearty and successful development of the general system of theoretical chemistry. At such times there is especial need of a statement of the guiding ideas, which shall give instruction to the student and advice to the investigator. As is Avell known, this need was completely satisfied in every respect by Ostwald’s two excellent treatises, the short Outlines and the larger Manual of General Chemistry (Lehrbuch der allgemeinen Chemie), the latter of which has passed to a new edition. Therefore I entertained serious doubts as to the advisability of a new work on the same subject from essentially the same point of view. But the saying that “ When many come, much comes ” seemed applicable, and my scruples were finally completely removed by the direct encouragement of Professor Ostwald in the preparation of this separate edition of the introduction to Dammer’s Handbuch; and I