Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
throughout the world. By studying texts, memoirs, and correspondence,
I analyze the reasons for such a change in Liebig's preoccupation, from
doing pure chemistry to constructing a new image of chemistry. I evalu-
ate the implication of such a campaign to understand why his policy
eventually worked out. An analysis of his overall approach shows Liebig
as a very modern person. He was engaged in advertising, even market-
ing, and used his scientific reputation to impose non-scientific assertions;
and he discussed the relationships between pure and applied science,
teaching and research, science and industry, and finally science and
power.
2.
A Break in Liebig's Trajectory
By the end of the 1830s, Liebig was considered one of the major chem-
ists of the century. He had published great memoirs, including a series of
papers in collaboration with Wöhler on bitter almond oil, benzoic acid,
and the benzoic radical, which was considered as the dawn of a new
period for vegetal chemistry;
1
the famous theoretical memoir on the
constitution of organic acids, which questioned the interpretation of or-
ganic compounds prevailing since Lavoisier and adapted by the electro-
dualistic system. And he continued working with Wöhler on uric acid,
“which is beginning to solve the mystery of living substance chemistry”
2
and which announced the chemistry of artificial matters.
3
Through the invention of his
Fünf-Kugel-Apparat
Liebig was also an
established analyst. The apparatus permitted quick and easy measure-
ments of the relative mass of carbon in small organic samples even by
non-skilful chemists; a large number of organic analyses were published,
which profoundly impressed Berzelius. These analyses were different
from the French analyses, from those of Dumas, who made everything
only to “glance”; from those of Dumas and Pelletier, who improved their
1
Berzelius to Liebig and Wöhler, 2 Sept. 1832. For manuscripts and unpublished let-
ters, the following archives have been consulted: Archives de l'Académie des Sci-
ences, Dossier Liebig, and Archiv der Justus Liebig Gesellschaft, Giessen.
2
Berzelius to Liebig, 14 Aug. 1839.
3
“It must be viewed not only as probable but as certain that we shall produce organic
substances in our laboratories. Sugar, salicin and morphine will be artificially pro-
duced.” (Wöhler & Liebig 1838).
