The Invention of Theoretische Chemie : Forms and Uses of German Chemistry Textbooks, 1775–1820

Abstract

The most significant outcome of an analysis of the German chemistry textbooks published between 1775 and 1820 was the emergence of the concept of theoretische Chemie. Rather than providing fundamental explanations for substances, affinities or reactions, theoretische Chemie ordered the available chemical facts. For the large group of university-based chemists who lacked technical facilities for experimental research, building these kinds of ordered systems proved an adequate way of contributing to chemistry. Furthermore, theoretische Chemie was important for the self-image of chemistry as a science by offering a framework for integrating new knowledge from various nonscientific fields of practice. In spite of this function, textbook authors discussed their very different ordered systems merely in terms of didactic appropriateness rather than in terms of scientific justification or correspondence with nature.