Abstract
THE catalytic agent is penetrating peacefully, yet effectively, into modern chemical industry. In explanation, to the lay mind, of the rôle of a catalyst in chemical reaction, comparison was recently cleverly drawn between the catalyst and the matrimonial agency. Both serve to bring together and to facilitate the union of others. Both are free after the consummation of the one process to renew their activities in like manner. The catalytic substance has played an important part in the many industries which have been necessary to the maintenance and equipment of the fighting Services with munitions of war. Not less distinctive a part has it played on the home front in the work of victory. The catalyst has been largely employed in the supply of margarine, to which we have grown accustomed. The soap with which we have been cleansed calls, in the process of its manufacture, for the assistance of the catalyst. The glucose which has helped to sweeten our lives, in time of a sugar shortage, is the resultant of yet another catalytic process.
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TAYLOR, H. Catalysis in Chemical Industry . Nature 104, 94–95 (1919). https://doi.org/10.1038/104094a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/104094a0
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