Georgette Taylor

Variations on a Theme

Patterns of Congruence and Divergence Among 18th Century Chemical Affinity Theories

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

This work examines affinity theories espoused by
British chemists of the 18th Century, exposing a
degree of theoretical variation at odds with the
received view of a unified, monolithic affinity
theory . Showing that affinity was valued for its
utility and its ability to guide chemical practice,
it explains how theories were formulated specifically
to assist the chemist at an operational level. This
work explores the roles assigned to affinity in
chemical practice and, in particular, in chemical
pedagogy. It traces a complex structure of
correspondences and divergences amongst affinity
theories by comparing theoretical components
performing the same operational role within different
theories. In spite of the evident variations amongst
affinity theories, a public consensus still held
throughout the 18th century. The lack of controversy
is evidence of an array of predominantly tacit
concepts forming part of each theory to which all
subscribed; this common ground was at the heart of
the apparent public consensus. The work shows how
in due course affinity became a fundamental part of
the chemical norm to which the majority of chemists
assented.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: VDM Verlag Dr. Müller
• Seitenzahl: 292
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 220mm x 150mm x 17mm
• Gewicht: 453g
• ISBN-13: 9783639103311
• ISBN-10: 3639103319
• Artikelnr.: 25562201

Autorenporträt

Georgette Taylor completed her PhD at University College London
in October 2006, supervised by Prof. Hasok Chang. Working as a
post-doctoral research fellow, she contributed to the UCL project
"Analysis and Synthesis in 19th century chemistry". She was
awarded the Partington Prize by the Society for the History of
Alchemy and Chemistry in 2008.