Leiden University Scholarly Publications

Persistent URL of this record https://hdl.handle.net/1887/3214868

Documents

In Collections

This item can be found in the following collections:

Berg, R.E. van den (2021)

Een gedreven buitenstaander: J.H. van 't Hoff de eerste Nobelprijswinnaar voor Scheikunde

Doctoral Thesis
This dissertation presents a new perspective on the life, work and character of the Dutch physical chemist Jacobus Henricus van ’t Hoff, first recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and one of the most important and colourful scientists in Dutch history. The image of Van ’t Hoff that emerges from the research presented in this dissertation is that of someone with a strong drive to make a name in science, who nonetheless always remained an outsider. The only major biography was already published in 1912, and was rather uncritical, if not heroizing. Therefore, it was high time for a new one, covering all insights gained over the past hundred years into his scientific research, his personal life and their mutual influence. Public and family archives have delivered a wealth of previously unknown (personal) documents, letters, diaries etc. which to a large extent had never been studied before. They offer previously unknown insights into the character of Van ‘t Hoff and shed new...Show moreThis dissertation presents a new perspective on the life, work and character of the Dutch physical chemist Jacobus Henricus van ’t Hoff, first recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and one of the most important and colourful scientists in Dutch history. The image of Van ’t Hoff that emerges from the research presented in this dissertation is that of someone with a strong drive to make a name in science, who nonetheless always remained an outsider. The only major biography was already published in 1912, and was rather uncritical, if not heroizing. Therefore, it was high time for a new one, covering all insights gained over the past hundred years into his scientific research, his personal life and their mutual influence. Public and family archives have delivered a wealth of previously unknown (personal) documents, letters, diaries etc. which to a large extent had never been studied before. They offer previously unknown insights into the character of Van ‘t Hoff and shed new light on the interaction between the personality and scientific work of this leading chemist of the nineteenth century. Apart from these biographical aspects the biography also covers more general historical issues like the internationalisation of science at the end of the nineteenth century, the founding of the new discipline of physical chemistry in the same period, and the changing relationship between education and research in Dutch universities and abroad.
Show less
Physical chemistry
Asymmetric carbon atom
Stereochemistry
Chemical thermodynamics
Theory of dilute solutions
Ionic dissociation
Discipline formation
Internationalisation of science
Salt deposits
All authors
Berg, R.E. van den
Supervisor
Lunteren, F.H. van; Delft, D. van
Committee
Röttgering, H.J.A.; Groenen, E.J.J.; Homburg, E.; Philipse, A.P.; Somsen, G.J.; Tiggelen, B. van
Qualification
Doctor (dr.)
Awarding Institution
Leiden Observatory, Faculty of Science, Leiden University
Date
2021-10-06
Publisher
Amsterdam: Uitgeverij Prometheus

Funding

Sponsorship
Stichting Fysische Chemie Utrecht; Amsterdams Universiteitsfonds; Van ’t Hoff Fonds, Amsterdam