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CHEMISTRY.
479
theory that bears his name, he sought to find a rational explanation; he perfected
chemical nomenclature, and created the still existent system of chemical symbols,
introduced the notion of isomerism, polymerism, and allotropism into chemistry,
applied the doctrine of definite proportions to the minerals and organic
combinations, devised a new system of mineralogy based on a chemical foundation,
and (partly in conjunction with Liebig) set up the so-called older radical theory,
one of the earliest attempts to explain the atomic structure of organic
substances. He also discovered three new elements, viz., cerium, together with V.
Hisinger (1766/1852), selenium, and thorium; isolated for the first time silicium
and zirconium in the free state, was, through his researches on animal matter, also
a pioneer of physiological chemistry, found out the method of decomposing silicates
with hydrofluoric acid, and of separating metals by means of chlorine, established
the use of platinum crucibles, wash-bottles, and caoutchouc tubes, founded the
modern elementary analysis; extended the knowledge of blowpipe analysis beyond
Sweden, published an extensive manual of chemistry, and exercised considerable
critical influence, especially through his Chemical Annuals, published 1821/47.
Among other scientists of this period the following are remarkable: A. G.
Ekeberg (1767/1813), the discoverer of tantalium; M. M. af Pontin (1781/
1858), who, together with Berzelius, brought about the reduction of alkaline
earths, and discovered the amalgam of ammonium; N. G. Se/ström (1787/1845),
the discoverer of vanadium; J. A. Arfvedson (1792/1841), an ardent analyst
of minerals, the discoverer of lithium; and K. G. Mosander (1797/1858), who
discovered four elements (later subdivided), viz., lanthanum, didymium, erbium,
and terbium.1
After the time of Berzelius, chemical investigations proceeded at first on the
lines laid down by the master, fairly undisturbed by the radical revolution that
at this very period was taking place in chemistry on the Continent. L. F.
Svanberg (1805/78) settled the atomic weight of several elements, and discovered the
phosphomolybdic acid. N. J. Berlin (1812/91) effected the first more accurate
determination of the atomic weight of chromium, and was a prolific writer of manuals
of instruction.8 V. Eggertz (1817/89) worked out some valuable methods for
testing iron and iron ores. K. V. Blomstrand (1826/97) sought to effect a
reconciliation between the system of Berzelius and »modern chemistry* by tracing
the latter as a consequence of the former, and thereby prepared the way for a
more modern method of regarding the science; he also contributed actively
towards solving the question of the atomicity of the elements.
Chemical research in Sweden during the last period of the nineteenth century
has more and more completely emerged from the isolation that enveloped it in
the period consequent to the death of Berzelius, and, in a large number of
different spheres, has left important contributions to the chemical researches of the
times. F. L. Ekman (1830/90), the bydrographer, investigated the processes
involved in the manufacture of sulphuric acid, and devised methods for analyzing
water. A. Nobel (1833/96) invented dynamite and the smokeless powder that
bears his name. L. F. Nilson (1840/99) carried out important investigations
with regard to »coupled» combinations of platinum and to the rare earths, discovered
*andium, determined the atomic weights and the atomiticy of several elements,
aad also published numerous writings on analytical chemistry; finally he devoted
himself to agricultural chemistry, and, on this subject, published important works
1 One fact that speaks much for the important part played by Swedish scientists in
the development of chemistry must be mentioned here, viz., that out of the total nnmber
"( elements at present known (about 78), no less than 20 are discovered by Swedes. —
’ With regard to N. J. Berlin, his services in respect to popular education deserve to bo
remembered- His widely-known »Naturlära» (Physics), which has been translated into several
foreign languages, has marked an epoch in the popular instruction of Sweden.
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