The unfortunate chemist - tribulations of chemical philosophy in an age of revolution

Simon Schaffer (BBC4’s The Light Fantastic) explores whether the chemical revolution of the late 18th century was the birth place of modern chemical science.

Simon Schaffer (BBC4’s The Light Fantastic) explores whether the chemical revolution of the late 18th century was the birth place of modern chemical science.

The history of chemistry often celebrates the chemical revolution of the later 18th century as a period of transition to recognisably modern chemical science. Those who contested this transition thus seem to be outmoded or entrenched defenders of an old regime of chemical philosophy. However, for many chemical practitioners and experimenters in the period, the most salient issues in chemical philosophy were not well characterised by endorsement or rejection of the principles of so-called French chemistry. The careers and dilemmas of a group of chemical practitioners are re-examined to help understand both the interests at work in defining chemistry at this period; and the ways in which specific practitioners were judged outdated or defeated.

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