Subject
Chemistry -- Early works to 1800 Books
Best books
Antoine Laurent Lavoisier
Elements of Chemistry, In a New Systematic Order, Containing all the Modern Discoveries
"Elements of Chemistry" by Antoine Laurent Lavoisier is a scientific publication written in the late 18th century. This foundational work in chemistry presents a systematic account of chemical principles and discoveries, emphasizing the reform of chemical nomenclature and the classification of substances. Lavoisier's work is significant as it lays the groundwork for modern chemistry by systematically describing material interactions, the nature of gases, and the principles of combustion and respiration. The opening of "Elements of Chemistry" provides an introduction to the author's rationale for reforming chemical nomenclature and outlines his approach to understanding the elements of chemistry. Lavoisier details his belief in the necessity of a clear, systematic vocabulary to communicate scientific ideas accurately, arguing that the names we assign to substances directly impact our understanding and discussions about them. Further, he sets the stage for exploring the transformations and properties of matter, including the interactions of heat and gravity that define the states of solids, liquids, and gases. The passage reflects Lavoisier’s commitment to empirical evidence and experimentation as the foundation for understanding chemical phenomena, which is a key theme throughout the work.
Robert Boyle
The Sceptical Chymist or Chymico-Physical Doubts & Paradoxes, Touching the Spagyrist's Principles Commonly call'd Hypostatical; As they are wont to be Propos'd and Defended by the Generality of Alchymists. Whereunto is præmis'd Part of another Discourse relating to the same Subject.
"The Sceptical Chymist" by Robert Boyle is a scientific work published in 1661. Written as a dialogue between five characters in a garden, this groundbreaking book challenges ancient theories about matter's composition. Boyle proposes that matter consists of moving corpuscles and clusters, while rejecting both Aristotle's four elements and Paracelsus' three principles. Instead, he defines elements as "perfectly unmingled bodies," laying foundations that would help establish modern chemistry. The work's influence gradually displaced centuries-old doctrines about the fundamental nature of matter.
Johann Rudolf Glauber
The works of the highly experienced and famous chymist, John Rudolph Glauber : $b containing, great variety of choice secrets in medicine and alchymy in the working of metallick mines, and the separation of metals: also, various cheap and easie ways of making salt-petre, and improving of barren-land, and the fruits of the earth.
"The Works of the Highly Experienced and Famous Chymist, John Rudolph Glauber" is a scientific publication written in the late 17th century. This comprehensive work covers various aspects of chymistry, including medicinal preparations, alchemical processes, and practical techniques for manipulating metals and minerals. The book targets scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts interested in the advancements of chymistry and its applications to medicine and agriculture. The opening of the book features prefaces and illustrative diagrams outlining the construction and utility of philosophical furnaces. Glauber begins by discussing the significance of chymistry in enhancing techniques for distilling substances, highlighting various types of furnaces designed for different operations. He aims to share methods that improve efficiency and reduce costs, enabling better extraction of medicinal compounds and materials from both plants and metals. The prefaces also emphasize the author's commitment to elucidating the art of chymistry for the benefit of readers, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications in this burgeoning field.
Nehemiah Grew
The anatomy of plants : $b With an idea of a philosophical history of plants, and several other lectures, read before the Royal Society
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Pierre Joseph Macquer
Elements of the Theory and Practice of Chymistry, 5th ed.
"Elements of the Theory and Practice of Chymistry, 5th ed." by Pierre Joseph Macquer is a scientific publication written in the late 18th century. This work serves as an essential introductory text on the principles and practices of chemistry, marking a significant transitional period from alchemical traditions to modern scientific inquiry. The text lays a foundational understanding, focusing on the experimental methods that underpin chemical science. The opening of this treatise provides an insightful preface that outlines the evolution of chemistry from its speculative past dominated by alchemical beliefs to a more empirical approach rooted in experimentation. Macquer emphasizes the importance of observation and experimentation as the sole paths to understanding chemical phenomena, contrasting this with the fanciful hypotheses of previous chemists. He proposes an educational structure to the text, guiding beginners through the basic elements and principles of chemistry—including air, water, earth, and fire—before proceeding to more complex compounds and their interactions. The beginning establishes a careful methodological framework, promising a comprehensive exploration of both theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry.
Joseph Priestley
Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air
"Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air" by Joseph Priestley is a six-volume scientific work published between 1774 and 1786. This groundbreaking text documents Priestley's experiments with gases, including his discovery of oxygen, which he called "dephlogisticated air." Through candid descriptions of his doubts and blunders, Priestley details discoveries that helped overturn ancient elemental theory. Yet he remained committed to phlogiston theory, unable to recognize how his own work undermined the framework he used to explain it.
Joseph Priestley
Heads of Lectures on a Course of Experimental Philosophy: Particularly Including Chemistry
"Heads of Lectures on a Course of Experimental Philosophy" by Joseph Priestley is a scientific publication written in the late 18th century. The text presents a thorough educational guide on the principles of experimental philosophy, particularly focusing on chemistry and natural science. It serves as a compendium for students at the New College in Hackney, aiming to illuminate the key discoveries and methodologies in understanding natural substances and their properties through experimentation. The opening of the work sets the stage by discussing the role and goals of experimental philosophy, emphasizing the importance of knowledge through observation and experimentation. Priestley introduces fundamental topics such as the properties of matter, the methods of scientific inquiry, and the interactions between various elements, including air and its components. His lectures are geared toward ensuring that students grasp the overarching concepts of natural philosophy while providing them with the foundational knowledge necessary for further scientific exploration. Additionally, the text addresses the significance of independent thought and the ethical responsibilities of students in their future endeavors, establishing a moral framework alongside scientific inquiry.
Joseph Black
Experiments upon magnesia alba, Quicklime, and some other Alcaline Substances
"Experiments upon Magnesia Alba, Quicklime, and some other Alcaline Substances" by Joseph Black, M.D. is a scientific publication written in the mid-18th century. Authored by a prominent chemist and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh, the book presents a thorough investigation of various alkaline substances and their properties, particularly focusing on magnesia alba and quicklime. It marks a significant contribution to the early development of modern chemistry, highlighting experimental methods and quantitative analysis. In this work, Black meticulously documents a series of experiments aimed at understanding the chemical properties and behavioral interactions of magnesia alba and quicklime with various acids and other substances. He elucidates the process of obtaining magnesia from different sources, such as epsom salt and the mother of nitre, and investigates their behavior in reactions with acids like vitriolic and nitrous acid. The experiments reveal the distinct behaviors of these alkaline substances, particularly how they absorb fixed air and their ability to interact with acids, which led Black to propose foundational ideas regarding the properties of alkaline earths. His careful documentation of these experiments not only showcases the emerging quantitative method in chemistry but also provides early insights into acid-base reactions, setting a precedent for future chemical research.
Hieronymus David Gaubius
Chemiam artibus academicis jure esse inserendam
"Chemiam artibus academicis jure esse inserendam" by Hieronymus David Gaubius is an inaugural address likely delivered during the early 18th century. This scientific publication advocates for the inclusion of chemistry as a legitimate field of study within academic institutions, emphasizing its importance alongside other scholarly disciplines. The discourse explores the value of chemistry in understanding natural phenomena and its critical application in medicine, positioning it as essential for the advancement of knowledge. In this address, Gaubius articulates a strong case for the recognition of chemistry in the academic realm, presenting it not only as a hands-on science rich in practical applications but also as a driver of intellectual inquiry. He argues that chemistry shares vital connections with both physics and medicine, illustrating how chemical processes underlie many aspects of the human body and the natural world. Gaubius effectively outlines the historical misconceptions surrounding the field, advocating for its rightful place among established academic disciplines by highlighting its contributions to human health and knowledge. His eloquent defense aims to resonate with academic leaders, urging them to embrace the discipline's potential benefits.
Hieronymus David Gaubius
Inaugureele Rede Waarin wordt Aangetoond dat de Scheikunde met recht een plaats verdient onder de Akademische Wetenschappen
"Inaugureele Rede" by Hieronymus David Gaubius is a scholarly address delivered in the early 18th century, specifically in 1731, during Gaubius's formal acceptance of the chair of Chemistry at the University of Leiden. This work, which can be classified as a scientific publication, emphasizes the legitimacy of Chemistry as a vital branch of knowledge deserving of its place among the academic sciences. The text argues for the significance of Chemistry in relation to both Philosophy and Medicine, highlighting its practical benefits and intellectual contributions. The address unfolds as Gaubius presents a compelling defense of Chemistry, contending that despite its historical stigma as a pursuit of unrefined artisans and alchemists, it is fundamentally a noble and essential science. He emphasizes that Chemistry not only requires rigorous study and a firm understanding of physical principles but also significantly overlaps with Medicine, enhancing the understanding of health and disease. By elucidating the intricate connections between Chemistry and other academic disciplines, Gaubius positions the former not merely as a supplement but as an indispensable part of the intellectual community. He ultimately calls upon the academic institutions to embrace and recognize the contributions of Chemistry, arguing for its rightful place in the realm of scholarly inquiry.
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