History of Chemistry
This is a collection of biographies and chronological trends. Find collected papers, accomplishments, and facts about both famous and unfamiliar figures in the field of chemistry. Visit online museum sites devoted to scientific learning.
Chemistry Timeline
Find out who did what and when they did it. This timeline chronicles achievements in chemistry and in other disciplines (e.g., physics, mathematics) as they apply to chemistry.
Find out who did what and when they did it. This timeline chronicles achievements in chemistry and in other disciplines (e.g., physics, mathematics) as they apply to chemistry.
Timeline of Element Discovery
Use this table to look up the date an element was discovered and the name(s) of its discoverer. Links to additional element facts are provided, too.
Use this table to look up the date an element was discovered and the name(s) of its discoverer. Links to additional element facts are provided, too.
Famous Chemists
This is an index of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, arranged alphabetically according to the scientist's last name.
This is an index of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, arranged alphabetically according to the scientist's last name.
Mendeleev's Periodic Table of the Elements
This is the English translation of Dmitri Mendeleev's periodic table of the elements.
This is the English translation of Dmitri Mendeleev's periodic table of the elements.
Mendeleev's Periodic Table of the Elements
See what Dmitri Mendeleev's original periodic table of the elements looked like. Blank spaces predict the existence of elements that hadn't been discovered.
See what Dmitri Mendeleev's original periodic table of the elements looked like. Blank spaces predict the existence of elements that hadn't been discovered.
Alchemy Symbols
See the alchemical symbols for the chemical elements.
See the alchemical symbols for the chemical elements.
Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers
Black scientists, engineers, and inventors have made important contributions to the science of chemistry. Learn about black chemists and chemical engineers and their projects. The focus is on African American chemists, but black scientists from other countries are included.
Black scientists, engineers, and inventors have made important contributions to the science of chemistry. Learn about black chemists and chemical engineers and their projects. The focus is on African American chemists, but black scientists from other countries are included.
Pictures of Famous Chemists
These are images of famous chemists or other scientists who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry.
These are images of famous chemists or other scientists who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry.
Alfred B. Nobel Prizes in Chemistry
This is a list of all of the Nobel laureates in Chemistry. The year, winner name(s), country, and research are included. Links to additional information on the laureates and Nobel foundation are also provided.
This is a list of all of the Nobel laureates in Chemistry. The year, winner name(s), country, and research are included. Links to additional information on the laureates and Nobel foundation are also provided.
History of Fireworks
Fireworks are a traditional part of most Independence Day and New Year's celebrations. Learn about the invention of fireworks and the history behind how fireworks are used.
Fireworks are a traditional part of most Independence Day and New Year's celebrations. Learn about the invention of fireworks and the history behind how fireworks are used.
Pictures of Nobel Laureates in Chemistry
This is a list of all of the Nobel laureates in Chemistry, with links to a photograph of each scientist.
This is a list of all of the Nobel laureates in Chemistry, with links to a photograph of each scientist.
Pictures of Women in Chemistry
See photos of women who made contributions to the field of chemistry.
See photos of women who made contributions to the field of chemistry.
Photo Gallery - Nobel Prize in Chemistry
This is a collection of photographs of the winner for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
This is a collection of photographs of the winner for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Women in Chemistry
Women have made many important contributions to the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering. Here's a list of female scientists and a description of the research or invention that made them famous.
Women have made many important contributions to the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering. Here's a list of female scientists and a description of the research or invention that made them famous.
Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833 - 1896)
Chemist and inventor of dynamite. Creator of the Nobel Foundation.
Chemist and inventor of dynamite. Creator of the Nobel Foundation.
Amedeo Avogadro
Looking for information about Amedeo Avogadro, Avogadro's Hypothesis, and Avogadro's Number? It's all here, including a picture of Avogadro and links to other Avogadro and History of Chemistry web sites.
Looking for information about Amedeo Avogadro, Avogadro's Hypothesis, and Avogadro's Number? It's all here, including a picture of Avogadro and links to other Avogadro and History of Chemistry web sites.
Dmitri Mendeleev (1834 - 1907)
Dmitri Mendeleev formulated a periodic table similar to the one we use today. Elements were grouped according to recurring trends in their properties.
Dmitri Mendeleev formulated a periodic table similar to the one we use today. Elements were grouped according to recurring trends in their properties.
Ernest Rutherford (1871–1937)
Ernest Rutherford was a British physicist who did research that became the basis for modern nuclear physics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1908.
Ernest Rutherford was a British physicist who did research that became the basis for modern nuclear physics. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1908.
Gilbert Newton Lewis (1875 - 1946)
Gilbert Lewis is known for his work in thermodynamics and covalent bonds.
Gilbert Lewis is known for his work in thermodynamics and covalent bonds.
Glenn Theodore Seaborg (1912 - 1999)
Glenn Seaborg is known for his work with transuranic elements. Here is a brief biography for this influential scientist.
Glenn Seaborg is known for his work with transuranic elements. Here is a brief biography for this influential scientist.
Irving Langmuir (1881 - 1957)
Irving Langmuir is known for his work on thin film and surface chemistry. He was a prolific innovator for General Electric and produced over 60 patents for them.
Irving Langmuir is known for his work on thin film and surface chemistry. He was a prolific innovator for General Electric and produced over 60 patents for them.
Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac (1778 - 1850)
Gay-Lussac was a French chemist and physicist known best for his work with gases and the composition of the Earth's atmosphere. He is credited with the discovery of boron. His work with measuring alcohol and water gave us the measure 'degrees Gay Lussac', which is still used in many countries as a measure of alcohol content in drinks.
Gay-Lussac was a French chemist and physicist known best for his work with gases and the composition of the Earth's atmosphere. He is credited with the discovery of boron. His work with measuring alcohol and water gave us the measure 'degrees Gay Lussac', which is still used in many countries as a measure of alcohol content in drinks.
Marie Sklodowska Curie (1867–1934)
Marie Sklodowska Curie was a Polish-born French scientist. She won the Nobel Prize twice and was famous for her work on radioactivity.
Marie Sklodowska Curie was a Polish-born French scientist. She won the Nobel Prize twice and was famous for her work on radioactivity.
Robert Boyle (1627 - 1691)
Robert Boyle was an Irish-born scientist best known for Boyle's Law of Ideal Gases. He also was a founding fellow of the Royal Society of London and an early supporter of the atomic nature of matter.
Robert Boyle was an Irish-born scientist best known for Boyle's Law of Ideal Gases. He also was a founding fellow of the Royal Society of London and an early supporter of the atomic nature of matter.
Robert Hooke (1635 - 1703)
Robert Hooke has been called the English Da Vinci. He is credited with numerous inventions and design improvements of scientific instrumentation. He was a natural philosopher who valued observation and experimentation.
Robert Hooke has been called the English Da Vinci. He is credited with numerous inventions and design improvements of scientific instrumentation. He was a natural philosopher who valued observation and experimentation.
Sir Joseph John (J. J.) Thomson (1884–1918)
J.J. Thomson discovered the electron while studying the electricity in a cathode ray tube (CRT).
J.J. Thomson discovered the electron while studying the electricity in a cathode ray tube (CRT).
Gunpowder Facts and History
Black powder is used as a propellant for bullets, as well as for fireworks and rocketry. Learn how gunpowder works and a bit about its history
Black powder is used as a propellant for bullets, as well as for fireworks and rocketry. Learn how gunpowder works and a bit about its history
History of Matches
Fire may have been around since the dawn of civilization, but matches are a fairly recent invention. Learn about the somewhat gruesome history of the chemical or friction match and how antimony and phosphorus are used to start fire.
Fire may have been around since the dawn of civilization, but matches are a fairly recent invention. Learn about the somewhat gruesome history of the chemical or friction match and how antimony and phosphorus are used to start fire.
How Are New Elements Discovered?
Find out if there are any elements left to be discovered and how they would be found.
Find out if there are any elements left to be discovered and how they would be found.
Silly Putty Chemistry
Learn about the history of Silly Putty, how it works, how to make your own, and what you can do to explore the interesting properties of this viscoelastic liquid.
Learn about the history of Silly Putty, how it works, how to make your own, and what you can do to explore the interesting properties of this viscoelastic liquid.
Old Element Names Quiz
There are several elements which have symbols that don't seem to correspond to their names. That's because the symbols come from old names for the elements. Here's a multiple choice quiz to test your knowledge of the element names.
There are several elements which have symbols that don't seem to correspond to their names. That's because the symbols come from old names for the elements. Here's a multiple choice quiz to test your knowledge of the element names.
Chemistry News
This is a directory of website that carry the latest chemistry and other science news. Access is free or requires no registration unless otherwise noted.
This is a directory of website that carry the latest chemistry and other science news. Access is free or requires no registration unless otherwise noted.
Duck and Cover - Civil Defense Classic Film
Learn what schoolchildren were taught to do in the event of an atomic detonation. Here's your chance to view or download the 1951 Civil Defense classic, Duck and Cover. I've provided general information about the movie and a review.
Learn what schoolchildren were taught to do in the event of an atomic detonation. Here's your chance to view or download the 1951 Civil Defense classic, Duck and Cover. I've provided general information about the movie and a review.
Review of Adventures in the Atomic Age
Nobel laureate Glenn Seaborg's autobiography, published posthumously, relates the development of nuclear science and policy and science education. Seaborg takes the reader through his life while educating the reader about transuranium element research, university administration, the Manhattan Project, nuclear policy, and education.
Nobel laureate Glenn Seaborg's autobiography, published posthumously, relates the development of nuclear science and policy and science education. Seaborg takes the reader through his life while educating the reader about transuranium element research, university administration, the Manhattan Project, nuclear policy, and education.
What Is Earth Day?
Find out what Earth Day is all about, when it is, and how it started.
Find out what Earth Day is all about, when it is, and how it started.
A Look Inside the Atom
Growth of the atomic theory. From the American Institute of Physics.
Growth of the atomic theory. From the American Institute of Physics.
American Chemical Society Division of History of Chemistry
This page offers member information, titles of papers at upcoming symposia, tables of contents for the Bulletin for the History of Chemistry, book information, and related links.
This page offers member information, titles of papers at upcoming symposia, tables of contents for the Bulletin for the History of Chemistry, book information, and related links.
Bright Sparcs
This is a registry of over 3,000 people involved in the development of science, technology, and medicine in Australia. References to their archival materials and bibliographic resources are included.
This is a registry of over 3,000 people involved in the development of science, technology, and medicine in Australia. References to their archival materials and bibliographic resources are included.
Catalog of Scientific Community in 16th and 17th Centuries
This is Richard Westfall's collection of 631 detailed biographies of members of the scientific community during the 16th and 17th centuries. A searchable database is available.
This is Richard Westfall's collection of 631 detailed biographies of members of the scientific community during the 16th and 17th centuries. A searchable database is available.
Chemical Heritage Foundation
For public understanding of chemistry and its contributions.
For public understanding of chemistry and its contributions.
Chemistry Pages
History of chemistry, general, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, and how to prepare for examinations. From Rod Beavon, Westminster School.
History of chemistry, general, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, and how to prepare for examinations. From Rod Beavon, Westminster School.
Development of the Periodic Table
This is John Emsley's introduction to the periodic table of the elements.
This is John Emsley's introduction to the periodic table of the elements.
Discovery of Insulin
This is a biographical and historical perspective on the discovery of insulin.
This is a biographical and historical perspective on the discovery of insulin.
From Coal Tar to Crafting a Wealth of Diversity
Science writer Marc S. Reisch follows the chemical industry from 1923 to 1998.
Science writer Marc S. Reisch follows the chemical industry from 1923 to 1998.
History of Chemistry, The
This history of chemistry emphasizes Muslim contribution to the development of this science. A brief bibliography is supplied.
This history of chemistry emphasizes Muslim contribution to the development of this science. A brief bibliography is supplied.
History of Mass Spectrometry
Evolution of mass spec, beginning with the work of J. J. Thomson. From Gary Siuzdak, The Scripps Research Institute.
Evolution of mass spec, beginning with the work of J. J. Thomson. From Gary Siuzdak, The Scripps Research Institute.
History of Salt
The Salt Institute guides the reader through salt's ancient history up to its production in the US, with links to many other sites offering information about the history of salt production and its use worldwide.
The Salt Institute guides the reader through salt's ancient history up to its production in the US, with links to many other sites offering information about the history of salt production and its use worldwide.
History of the Aluminum Cap of the Washington Monument
A technical and administrative achievement. From George J. Binczewski for the Minerals, Metals, & Materials Society.
A technical and administrative achievement. From George J. Binczewski for the Minerals, Metals, & Materials Society.
Institute and Museum of Science
Visit the library and museum in Florence, Italy.
Visit the library and museum in Florence, Italy.
Inventure Place
Online museum from the National Inventors Hall of Fame allows searches for inventors and their inventions.
Online museum from the National Inventors Hall of Fame allows searches for inventors and their inventions.
Liebig's Chemical Letters
Theory and applications of chemistry from the pen of Justus Liebig. From Peter E. Childs, University of Limerick.
Theory and applications of chemistry from the pen of Justus Liebig. From Peter E. Childs, University of Limerick.
Linus Pauling Virtual Exhibit
Linus Pauling: A Centenary Exhibit is presented by the Oregon State University Libraries based on materials from the Ava Helen and Linus Pauling Papers.
Linus Pauling: A Centenary Exhibit is presented by the Oregon State University Libraries based on materials from the Ava Helen and Linus Pauling Papers.
Nobel e-Museum - The Nobel Prize in Chemistry
The Nobel Foundation provides this chronological archive of Nobel laureates and their research. The site offers search capability.
The Nobel Foundation provides this chronological archive of Nobel laureates and their research. The site offers search capability.
Priestley, Joseph
Brief biography and description of his discoveries. From Steve Silverman, Chatham High School.
Brief biography and description of his discoveries. From Steve Silverman, Chatham High School.
Profiles in Science
US National Library of Medicine site featuring DNA researchers.
US National Library of Medicine site featuring DNA researchers.
Radioactivity: Historical Figures
From Access Excellence. Thus far: Becquerel, Curie, Roentgen, and Rutherford.
From Access Excellence. Thus far: Becquerel, Curie, Roentgen, and Rutherford.
Science and Technology Odyssey in Cyberspace
The ebook traces the development of science and technology from 20000 BC to 1800 AD. Several time period 'chapters' are available.
The ebook traces the development of science and technology from 20000 BC to 1800 AD. Several time period 'chapters' are available.
Scientific Shortcuts
Essays about chemists and noteworthy chemicals. From Rudolf Öller.
Essays about chemists and noteworthy chemicals. From Rudolf Öller.
Selected Classic Papers from the History of Chemistry
Includes biographies and pictures. Thematically organized.
Includes biographies and pictures. Thematically organized.
Sixty Centuries of Copper
B. Webster Smith provides this general history of copper mining, development of metal-working processes, and copper use over the past six thousand years.
B. Webster Smith provides this general history of copper mining, development of metal-working processes, and copper use over the past six thousand years.
SJSU Virtual Museum
Biographies of scientists (including chemists) and mathematicians. From Robertta H. Barba, San Jose State University.
Biographies of scientists (including chemists) and mathematicians. From Robertta H. Barba, San Jose State University.
Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry, The
In addition to member and meeting information, this site provides author instructions for Ambix, the Journal for the Society for the History of Alchemy & Chemistry.
In addition to member and meeting information, this site provides author instructions for Ambix, the Journal for the Society for the History of Alchemy & Chemistry.
This Week in the History of Chemistry
From Carmen Giunta. Birthdays and accomplishments of chemists with anniversaries of their discoveries.
From Carmen Giunta. Birthdays and accomplishments of chemists with anniversaries of their discoveries.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with A
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter A.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter A.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with B
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter B.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter B.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with C
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter C.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter C.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with D
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter D.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter D.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with E
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter E.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter E.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with F
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter F.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter F.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with G
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter G.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter G.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with H
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter H.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter H.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with I
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter I.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter I.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with J
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter J.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter J.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with K
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter K.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter K.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with L
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter L.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter L.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with M
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter M.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter M.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with N
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter N.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter N.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with O
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter O.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter O.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with P
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter P.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter P.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with Q
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter Q.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter Q.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with R
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter R.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter R.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with S
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter S.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter S.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with T
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter T.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter T.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with U
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter U.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter U.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with V
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter V.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter V.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with W
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter W.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter W.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with X
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter X.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter X.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with Y
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter Y.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter Y.
Famous Chemists - Last Names Starting with Z
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter Z.
This is a list of famous chemists and other scientists who made important contributions to the field of chemistry, who have last names starting with the letter Z.