The World of Physical Chemistry [Paperback]

Keith J. Laidler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0198559194 | ISBN-13: 978-0198559191 | Publication Date: July 27, 1995

This book offers an account of the field of physical chemistry as it has evolved over the years, from its emergence as a distinct discipline in the late 19th century through today's miracle discoveries. The book covers all of the main branches of physical chemistry: thermodynamics, kinetic theory, statistical mechanics, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, quantum chemistry, and colloid and surface chemistry. It describes the difficulties faced by early investigators resulting from attitudes of the churches, governments, and even the universities, which tended to emphasize classical studies. The book also discusses the ways in which physical scientists have communicated with each other over the course of the discipline's history. Teachers, researchers and students of physical chemistry as well as physicists and historians of science will find this lively book interesting and informative.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Even nonspecialist readers will find much to enjoy. Laidler, in his carefully researched and scholarly volume, spans the development of physical chemistry. . . . has provided a masterly survey of the field, which will help to put the record straight." --Nature

"A book every professor should own for its wealth of information on the human dimensions of the subject. At the same time, it provides some sense of the flow of the history of chemistry. . . . great fun and entertainment, and at the same time, a simply marvellous presentation of the science. . . . his forays into history are accurate and well chosen. The springboard to understanding of physical chemistry." --Choice

About the Author

Keith J. Laidler is at University of Ottawa.

Product Details

• Paperback: 488 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 27, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198559194
• ISBN-13: 978-0198559191
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,945,063 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful view of certain aspects of physical chemistry., March 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The World of Physical Chemistry (Paperback)

Professor Laidler is known for giving wonderful lectures. This book is an interesting look at certain aspects in the development of physical chemistry. I believe that this book, along with John Servos' text, are entertaining and educational overviews of some historical developments in chemistry. The book would be a great addition for anyone interested in the history of physical chemistry.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly remarkable 'biography' of a science, August 2, 2010

By 

AC (Michigan) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The World of Physical Chemistry (Paperback)

Wow. This book is a gem.

This is one of those rare, multi-faceted, scholarly-yet-almost-conversational, history-meets-biography-meets-science, wide-in-scope-yet-judiciously-selected-and-prudently-restrained, nothing-else-like-it -type, wish-it-existed book that one at times wonders if someone will ever write, and if they do, if they'll do it justice, let alone have enough 'meat' to keep those with a technical bent interested, while simultaneously not delving so far into detail that the layman (albeit a scientifically-inclined layman) can't keep up, & weaving it all along a timeline for which various relevant scientists whose work is described are brought in not only in a somewhat classic biographical sense, but also relative to other scientists of their respective times, & what they thought of the others' work, where there was agreement, where there wasn't & why, how aspects of such affected the direction that others took, etc.

It takes remarkable skill to balance the fine lines associated with all of that, especially when the scientific discipline in question happens to be one which many find rather challenging (& with good reason).

To meld the many & varied relevant facts, & produce such a fascinating & descriptive 'biography' of the development of a science, & in this case, one of my favorites, physical chemistry, is an accomplishment for which my words simply cannot do justice to the level of excellence demonstrated, & profound skill in conveying this information in such a conversational style. The result produced by Laidler is far above what most could have attained even if given the same 'notes'.

This book is one of a kind. And although many would find it appealing, interesting, & highly worthwhile reading, I cannot help but recommend this book most highly to anyone with an appreciation of Chemistry, & especially those who will be taking a multi-year dive into such.


I'll close this review with a quote from the author's Preface:

"An account of some personal incident that occurred during the course of scientific work can greatly arouse the interest of students. I have found, for instance, that the story of Arrhenius's difficulties with his Ph.D. examiners always seems to go down well with students, and seems to make them think that electrolytic dissociation is perhaps not such a dull subject after all."

I wish that this book had existed when I was a kid...

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Are You Liberally Educated?, June 25, 2003

By 

Cecil Fox (Little Rock, AR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The World of Physical Chemistry (Paperback)

Physical chemistry is the backbone of reality and the balance ledger of the universe. For many, the only remaining question is, who cares? The answer to that is, educated people should care. Otherwise educated people or politicians must excuse their brutish ignorance by the litany, "I wasn't good in science". Despite the boring title, Laidler has struck a reasonable balance between deriving the Gibbs equations and fabricating a childrens book of inspiration. There are equations in the book (sorry Mr. President) but there are also diverting biographies of the colorful personalities who figured out how the world works without their needing to invent a mythical cosmogeny. Before anyone claims to have a liberal education, they should have read this book.