[Précis de chimie organique (1844-1846) and the Traité de chimie organique (1853-1856) from Charles Gerhardt].
In 1844 and in 1853 Charles Gerhardt writes two textbooks about organic chemistry: Précis de chimie organique and Traité de chimie organique. In these textbooks Gerhard presents a way to arrange organic compounds in series. The Traité is more accomplished. The classification has improved. His idea is that all organic compounds are based on four main types (i.e., hydrogen, hydrogen chloride, ammonia, and water). Why did Gerhardt chose to develop his theories in a textbook and not in scientific papers? We can think of a few reasons: in a textbook he could articulate ideas and could give constitency to his theories. It is longer than a paper. Textbook authors are less rescricted. The readers are students.
Delort
Marie
M
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D002625:Chemistry, Organic / Q000266:history*; D005602:France; D049672:History, 19th Century; D013782:Textbooks as Topic / Q000266:history*