Alan J. Rocke è uno storico del pensiero scientifico, con un focus sulla storia dell'immaginazione scientifica. Esplora come le teorie e le scoperte scientifiche siano state plasmate dalle correnti intellettuali e dagli ambienti del loro tempo. Il suo lavoro approfondisce momenti cruciali nell'evoluzione della scienza, analizzando l'interazione tra scienziati, le loro idee e i più ampi paesaggi sociali e culturali. L'approccio di Rocke offre ai lettori una profonda visione dello sviluppo della comprensione scientifica.
The book offers an English translation of Lothar Meyer's significant early works on the periodic system of elements, highlighting his independent discovery around the same time as Dmitrii Mendeleev. It includes the 5th edition of Meyer's influential text, showcasing his contributions to the field of chemistry. This translation aims to make Meyer's ideas accessible to a wider audience, emphasizing the historical context and importance of his findings in the development of the periodic table.
"This is one of the most important studies of nineteenth century chemistry produced during the past two decades. Building on his equally important earlier book . . . this work will establish Rocke as the leading scholar in this field."--Frederic L. Holmes, Yale University "With this work, Rocke has become the leading authority on German chemistry in the first two-thirds of the nineteenth century."--Kathryn M. Olesko, Georgetown University