Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
are largely responsible - was met with stoical equanimity
37
during the
1950-2000 period. It made for a remarkably close-knit, worldwide com-
munity, united through its use of a common language, that of structural
formulas (Cram 1990).
Outer pressure from criticism did not only make chemists close ranks,
it also sharpened their self-image as providers of material benefits to so-
ciety. For the whole period (1939-1980s) during which DuPont adver-
tised its motto “Better Things for Better Living … Through Chemistry”,
chemists identified readily with this slogan and regretted its passing.
They saw themselves as a social group, honest (Roussel 1959a) and well-
meaning, doing essential work, and unjustly attacked, not recognized
properly.
The worldwide chemical community has countered otherwise poten-
tially disruptive tensions in embracing rapid change (in laboratory tools,
in the attendant training of young chemists [National Research Council
2003, 2004] in topics of interest,
etc
.), while upholding traditional values
of craftsmanship and small science. The truly remarkable adaptability, in
the face of enormous changes (Havinga 1991),
38,39
arguably stems from
chemistry being the science of material transformations, and from chem-
ists thus being trained in both monitoring and controlling change.
Moreover, chemists see themselves as creative (Pacifico 1958,
McGrayne 2001). To quote an eminent member of the profession (Gort-
ler 1999):
37
Which outside observers often mistakenly equate with arrogance.
38
Consider for instance the manufacture of polymers. Each of the various grades of
polyethylene was made using different processes and catalysts during each of the
decades under study. Recollections of one of the pioneers make for useful reading
(Ziegler 1972).
39
The visual idiom changed considerably. In the 50s, it was dominated by the octant
rule, valence-bond structures, cage molecules, IR and UV-visible spectroscopies. In
the 60s, proton NMR, mass spectrometry, linear free energy relationships, and the va-
lence shell electron pair repulsion (Gillespie-Nyholm) came to the fore. The 70s saw
the rise of carbon-13 NMR, molecular orbital diagrams, and coordination geometries.
In the 80s, zeolite structures, 2D NMR, computer simulations of protein structures
with inclusion of molecular dynamics became iconic. The 90s saw new kinds of im-
ages with AFM and STM becoming popularized, with entities pictured such as nano-
tubes.
