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Oxygen Books
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Edward Harrison Keiser
On the Existence of Active Oxygen Thesis Presented for the Attainment of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Johns Hopkins University
"On the Existence of Active Oxygen" by Edward Harrison Keiser is a scientific publication presented as a thesis for the attainment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University, written in the late 19th century. The work extensively explores the chemical properties and potential states of oxygen, particularly focusing on the concept of active or nascent oxygen, which refers to a hypothesized state of oxygen that has stronger oxidizing properties than its ordinary form. In this thesis, Keiser critically examines historical research and experiments surrounding the existence of active oxygen, addressing theories posited by noted chemists like Schönbein, Baumann, and Remsen. He meticulously describes various experiments aimed at detecting this alleged state of oxygen and evaluates their findings regarding oxidative properties under specific conditions. Ultimately, Keiser concludes that the evidence for active oxygen's existence remains unsubstantiated, suggesting that the reactions attributed to it may instead be explained by the behavior of stable chemical compounds such as hydrogen dioxide. His work contributes to the broader understanding of elemental behaviors and challenges the scientific community to revisit and rigorously test the assumptions surrounding the nature of oxygen.
Carl Wilhelm Scheele
Discovery of Oxygen, Part 2
"Discovery of Oxygen, Part 2" by Carl Wilhelm Scheele is a scientific publication written in the late 18th century. This work focuses on Scheele's experiments and theories regarding the discovery of oxygen and its properties, detailing the chemical processes involved. The book illustrates the foundational work of natural philosophy that eventually contributed to modern chemistry. The text contains a detailed account of various experiments conducted by Scheele to isolate and understand the nature of oxygen. Through his meticulous method, he explores the composition of air, identifying its constituent gases and discussing how other substances interact with it. For instance, he describes experiments that showcase the reactions between fire and different types of air, yielding observations about fire-air and vitiated air. Scheele argues against previous theories and presents new methodologies that clarify the role of gases in combustion and respiration, thereby laying the groundwork for the understanding of oxygen as it is known today.
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