Josiah Gibbs revolutionized physical chemistry with his mathematics of thermodynamics and chemical equilibria, but published in an obscure journal few read. Wilhelm Ostward explained catalysis with his idea of an intermediate. Einstein figured out the cause of Brownian motion, and gave sufficient proof of atoms and molecules that all scientists accepted atomic theory. These developments led to the journal Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, which still exists today. Arrhenius&apos;s ionic dissociation explained many of water&apos;s properties, and led eventually to Søren Sørensen&apos;s pH designation of acids and bases. Guest, Vincent Falcone, Head Brewer of City-State Brewing in Washington, DC, discusses pH and beer.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry">Support the Show.</a><ul> <li>Support my podcast at <a href='https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry'>https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry</a> </li> <li>Tell me how your life relates to chemistry! E-mail me at steve@historyofchem.com</li> <li>Get my book, O Mg! How Chemistry Came to Be, from World Scientific Publishing, <a href='https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12670#t=aboutBook'>https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/12670#t=aboutBook</a> </li> </ul>

25: Seeing the Light

Chemistry is everywhere, and involves everything. But how did chemistry get to be what it is? I'm Steve Cohen, a chemist and writer, bringing you The History of Chemistry. This podcast explores the development of chemistry from prehistoric times to the present, including the people and societies who made chemistry what it is today. The History of Chemistry is for you, whether you hated chemistry in high school, or got a PhD in inorganic chemistry. We'll explore how chemistry affected art, music, language, politics and vice-versa. Whether it's ancient Greek philosophers, medieval alchemists, or modern laboratory apparatus, it's all here. Don't forget to support my series at https://www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchemistry !