Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
before, Lavoisier already had a similar aspiration referring to the same
sector of agriculture: “the experiences I am working on made me hope
that I could contribute, one day, on the national prosperity, by acting on
the public opinion with writings and facts” (Lavoisier 1792). This care
for a larger audience became evident in the first months of 1840, when
Liebig worked on his booklet for agriculturists.
In the middle of that year Liebig took care of every detail that could
help the diffusion of his ideas: a tasteful print, an elegant type-foundry, a
beautiful paper, and a well-composed dedication.
22
He insisted on being
a Professor of Chemistry, a member of the Royal Society, and an honor-
ary member of the city of Giessen.
23
And he carefully selected the priori-
ties of his coveted audience.
24
Of course writing was a major tool to popularize chemistry, which
Liebig used by numerous editions. His friend and publisher Eduard
Vieweg was a major aid in that regard. The multiple editions of Liebig's
works, particularly after 1840 and with improved quality of paper and
print, were a precious help in the popularization of chemistry. All the
more since Liebig himself assisted in the diffusion. He requested that the
Agricultural Chemistry
be ready in the bookshops for the naturalists'
meeting in Erlangen. When the agriculturists had a meeting in Brünn,
Liebig managed to have the copies arrive in time. He went to Vienna to
hand over copies to Metternich and Colowzat.
Liebig's pupils, especially foreigners, played an important role in the
diffusion of his ideas. Although it is a matter of discussion whether he
was a pupil of Liebig, C. Gerhardt translated into French most of Lie-
big's writings. In the English-speaking world, Liebig's pupils were ex-
tremely important. The
Agricultural Chemistry
was published in England
as soon as 1840, translated in the Giessen laboratory by Playfair. W.
22
For the choice of the dedication in the English version, see Gregory to Liebig, 25
May 1842.
23
“On the title of the
Physiology
[Agricultural Chemistry], Professor of Chemistry has
to be inserted, as well as honorary citizen of the town of Giessen; then, after member-
ship of the Royal Society, must be written member of the British Association for the
Advancement of Science.” (Liebig to Vieweg, 25 July 1840).
24
“Write above it: to Chemists (before that 1), Pharmacists (before that 5), Agronomists
(before that 4), Physiologists (before that 2), and Botanists (before that 3), and Physi-
cians (before that 6)” (Liebig to Vieweg, 3 July 1840).
