Overview
- The first English translation of Wilhelm Ostwald’s Autobiography, originally published in German
- Includes comments and explanations to help readers understand the historical context of the original early 20th-century manuscript
- A valuable record of contemporary scientific history, with reflections that have lost none of their relevance today
- Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras
Part of the book series: Springer Biographies (SPRINGERBIOGS)
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Table of contents (44 chapters)
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Front Matter
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Leipzig
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Front Matter
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Keywords
About this book
This work will appeal toa broad audience of contemporary scientists: Wilhelm Ostwald has been tremendously influential for the development of chemistry and science, and many of today’s best-known international scientific schools can be traced back to Ostwald’s students. Ostwald was active in Germany and what is now Latvia and Estonia, while also travelling to the USA, England and France. In his discussions and analyses of the working conditions of the time, readers will find many issues reflected that continue to be of relevance today.
Reviews
“This is a long-needed English translation of the autobiography of the great German/Latvian physical chemist, Wilhelm Ostwald … . I can’t express enough my admiration for this wonderful translation, which has, for the first time, made this virtually untapped treasure trove of previously unexploited personal impressions of late 19th- and early 20th-century European chemistry, by one of its most important participants, available to English-speaking historians of chemistry. … In general Jack’s translation is excellent … .” (William B. Jensen,Bulletin for the History of Chemistry, Vol. 47 (3), 2022)
“Ostwald was well known as an engaging writer, and this translated work is very readable. The book provides interesting insight into the development of chemistry and is recommended to libraries that support a history of science program. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals.” (H. E. Pence, Choice, Vol. 54 (12), August, 2017)“‘Wilhelm Ostwald: The Autobiography’ is an important contribution to the history of physical chemistry. It restores Ostwald to his rightful place as one of the founders of modern electrochemistry. It also sheds light on the extraordinary efflorescence of German science in fin de siècle Europe. I would recommend the book to anyone with an interest in the sociology of science or the history of physical chemistry.” (Stephen Fletcher, Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry, Vol. 21, 2017)
Editors and Affiliations
About the editors
Fritz Scholz is the Chair of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry at Greifswald University’s Institute of Biochemistry. He has several years experience as an editor and author, e.g. as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry, of the new textbook journal ChemTexts, as Series Editor for the book series Monographs in Electrochemistry, and numerous book projects, in particular in the field of Electrochemistry. In his spare time, Fritz Scholz has a vital interest in the history of science, especially of chemistry andphysics.
Together the two editors form an optimal team to provide a painstakingly accurate translation of Wilhelm Ostwald’s autobiography, enriched with explanatory comments and background information to help readers understand the historical context. Wilhelm Ostwald was one of the most outstanding personalities in physical chemistry in the early 20th century, and has left enormous impacts still visible today. In his autobiographical reflections, readers will find a wealth of information, which will open up a new perspective on the historical development of physical chemistry as experienced by an eyewitness. Robert Jack and Fritz Scholz have now made this record of contemporary scientific history available for an international audience for the first time.
Bibliographic Information
Book Title: Wilhelm Ostwald
Book Subtitle: The Autobiography
Editors: Robert Smail Jack, Fritz Scholz
Series Title: Springer Biographies
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46955-3
Publisher: Springer Cham
eBook Packages: Chemistry and Materials Science, Chemistry and Material Science (R0)
Copyright Information: Springer International Publishing AG 2017
Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-319-46953-9Published: 01 February 2017
Softcover ISBN: 978-3-319-83626-3Published: 13 July 2018
eBook ISBN: 978-3-319-46955-3Published: 25 January 2017
Series ISSN: 2365-0613
Series E-ISSN: 2365-0621
Edition Number: 1
Number of Pages: XIV, 688
Number of Illustrations: 15 b/w illustrations, 1 illustrations in colour
Topics: History of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, History of Science, History and Philosophical Foundations of Physics, Philosophy of Science