Chemistry at Oxford: A History from 1600 to 2005
This fascinating and unique history reveals the major influence of the Oxford Chemistry School on the advancement of chemistry. It shows how the nature of the University, and individuals within it, have shaped the school and made great achievements both in teaching and research. The book will appeal to those interested in the history of science and education, the city of Oxford and chemistry in general. Chemistry has been studied in Oxford for centuries but this book focuses on the last 400 years and, in particular, the seminal work of Robert Boyle, Robert Hooke, and the proto- Royal Society of the 1650's. Arranged in chronological fashion, it includes specialist studies of particular areas of innovation. The book shows that chemistry has advanced, not just as a consequence of research but, because of the idiosynchratic nature of the collegiate system and the characters of the individuals involved. In other words, it demonstrates that science is a human endeavour and its advance in any institution is conditioned by the organization and people within it. For chemists, the main appeal will be the book's examination of the way separate branches of chemistry (organic, physical, inorganic and biological) have evolved in Oxford. It also enables comparison with the development of the subject at other universities such as Cambridge, London and Manchester. For historians and sociologists, the book reveals the motivations of both scientists and non-scientists in the management of the School. It exposes the unusual character of Oxford University and the tensions between science and administration. The desire of the college to retain its academic values in the face of external and financial pressures is emphasized.
J. Morrell, G. Richards, and P. J. T. Morris, Chemistry at Oxford: A History from 1600 to 2005, The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2008.
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An Outline of the History of Oxford University with Reference to its Chemistry Schoolp1-16ByRobert J.P. WilliamsRobert J.P. WilliamsInorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford UniversitySouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3QRSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 2: From Alchemy to Airpumps: The Foundations of Oxford Chemistry to 1700p17-51ByAllan ChapmanAllan ChapmanWadham CollegeOxfordOX1 3PNSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 3: The Eighteenth Century: Chemistry Allied to Anatomy1p52-78ByPeter J. T. MorrisPeter J. T. MorrisScience MuseumExhibition RoadLondonSW7 2DDSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 4: Chemistry Comes of Age: The 19th Centuryp79-130ByJohn S. RowlinsonJohn S. RowlinsonDepartment of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford UniversitySouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3QZSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 5: Research as the Thing: Oxford Chemistry 1912–1939p131-186ByJack MorrellJack MorrellDivision of History and Philosophy of Science, University of LeedsSchool of Philosophy,LeedsLS2 9JTSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 6: Interlude: Chemists at Warp187-194ByJohn S. RowlinsonJohn S. RowlinsonDepartment of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford UniversitySouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3QZSearch for other works by this author on:
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Chapter 7: Recent Times, 1945–2005: A School of World Renownp195-291ByRobert J.P. WilliamsRobert J.P. WilliamsInorganic Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford UniversitySouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3QRSearch for other works by this author on:
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