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Chemistry for beginners

Chapter 10: THE ELEMENTS
By Hereward Carrington
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Science - Chemistry/Biochemistry

About This Book

A concise introduction traces chemistry's development from ancient Greek and alchemical ideas through medieval practice to modern atomic theory and the periodic law. It explains elements, atomic weights, valency, analysis and synthesis, and differentiates organic and inorganic chemistry, including catalysis, enzymes, and hormones. Practical topics include spectroscopic methods, industrial chemistry, instruments, and ocean salinity. Later chapters address radioactivity, intra-atomic energy, electrons, astrophysical applications, and discussions on the origin of life and the philosophical implications connecting chemical theory with metaphysical questions.

THE ELEMENTS

Dalton’s views ushered in a new era in chemistry. Prolonged researches were at once undertaken, in order to determine the precise atomic weights—investigations which are being carried on even today. The exact size, shape, texture, etc., of the atom was subject to endless investigation. The nature of chemical combinations (how two elements combine with one another) held the fascinated attention of chemists for a hundred years, and it is only within the past few years that a definite solution has been found, and this has only been rendered possible by the newer views of matter, entirely different from those maintained during the past century.

During the hundred years which have elapsed since Dalton’s time, a number of new elements have been discovered, and there are reasons for supposing that there are some yet to discover. It is now believed, however, that there are 92 primary elements, of which Hydrogen has the lowest atomic weight, and Uranium the highest. Typical elements are: Oxygen, Iron, Fluorine, Silver, Sodium, Sulphur, Gold, Zinc, Copper, etc. A complete list may be found in any standard Chemistry.