Julius Thomsen (1826-1909) and his contributions to thermochemistry, atomic theory, and the nature of chemical elements

Helge Stjernholm Kragh

doi:10.1007/s40828-019-0099-y

Julius Thomsen (1826-1909) and his contributions to thermochemistry, atomic theory, and the nature of chemical elements

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Abstract

The Danish chemist Julius Thomsen is probably best known as one of the fathers of classical thermochemistry and perhaps also for his more theoretical work related to the periodic system of the elements. According to Thomsen’s basic assumption, the evolution of heat in a chemical reaction was a measure of the involved affinities. It followed that thermal measurements would yield information of, for example, equilibrium and dissolution processes, and also elucidate the structure of organic molecules. Thomsen’s work on chemical elements resulted in an innovative version of the periodic system and speculations about the constitution of atoms. Moreover, shortly after the discovery of argon he predicted the group of inert elements. The article offers a summary account of Thomsen’s life and influence, nationally as well as internationally, and refers to his interest in applying science for technical and social purposes. His most important work in this area was of an industrial method to produce soda from the mineral cryolite located in Greenland.

Original language	English
Article number	4
Journal	ChemTexts
Volume	6
Number of pages	9
ISSN	2199-3793
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/s40828-019-0099-y https://doi.org/10.1007/s40828-019-0099-y
Publication status	Published - 1 Mar 2020

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abstract = "The Danish chemist Julius Thomsen is probably best known as one of the fathers of classical thermochemistry and perhaps also for his more theoretical work related to the periodic system of the elements. According to Thomsen{\textquoteright}s basic assumption, the evolution of heat in a chemical reaction was a measure of the involved affinities. It followed that thermal measurements would yield information of, for example, equilibrium and dissolution processes, and also elucidate the structure of organic molecules. Thomsen{\textquoteright}s work on chemical elements resulted in an innovative version of the periodic system and speculations about the constitution of atoms. Moreover, shortly after the discovery of argon he predicted the group of inert elements. The article offers a summary account of Thomsen{\textquoteright}s life and influence, nationally as well as internationally, and refers to his interest in applying science for technical and social purposes. His most important work in this area was of an industrial method to produce soda from the mineral cryolite located in Greenland.",

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N2 - The Danish chemist Julius Thomsen is probably best known as one of the fathers of classical thermochemistry and perhaps also for his more theoretical work related to the periodic system of the elements. According to Thomsen’s basic assumption, the evolution of heat in a chemical reaction was a measure of the involved affinities. It followed that thermal measurements would yield information of, for example, equilibrium and dissolution processes, and also elucidate the structure of organic molecules. Thomsen’s work on chemical elements resulted in an innovative version of the periodic system and speculations about the constitution of atoms. Moreover, shortly after the discovery of argon he predicted the group of inert elements. The article offers a summary account of Thomsen’s life and influence, nationally as well as internationally, and refers to his interest in applying science for technical and social purposes. His most important work in this area was of an industrial method to produce soda from the mineral cryolite located in Greenland.

AB - The Danish chemist Julius Thomsen is probably best known as one of the fathers of classical thermochemistry and perhaps also for his more theoretical work related to the periodic system of the elements. According to Thomsen’s basic assumption, the evolution of heat in a chemical reaction was a measure of the involved affinities. It followed that thermal measurements would yield information of, for example, equilibrium and dissolution processes, and also elucidate the structure of organic molecules. Thomsen’s work on chemical elements resulted in an innovative version of the periodic system and speculations about the constitution of atoms. Moreover, shortly after the discovery of argon he predicted the group of inert elements. The article offers a summary account of Thomsen’s life and influence, nationally as well as internationally, and refers to his interest in applying science for technical and social purposes. His most important work in this area was of an industrial method to produce soda from the mineral cryolite located in Greenland.

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Julius Thomsen (1826-1909) and his contributions to thermochemistry, atomic theory, and the nature of chemical elements

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