Abstract
THE idea and name of catalytic action were introduced into science by Berzelius in 1835, apropos of Mitscherlich's work on the formation of ether. Berzelius pointed out that the action of sulphuric acid in this case was analogous to the action of dilute acids on starch, to the similar action of malt extract, to the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by metals and oxides, and to the action of platinum on combustible mixtures of gases. According to Berzelius, catalytic force appeared to consist essentially in this, “that substances by their mere presence and not by their affinity have the power to rouse latent affinities, so that compound substances undergo reaction and a greater electrochemical neutralisation occurs.” Berzelius made no attempt to explain the phenomenon; on the contrary, in a subsequent discussion with Liebig, he insisted on the great danger of attempting to explain incompletely understood phenomena by hypothetical assumptions, lest experimental investigation should thereby be hindered. Berzelius' warning was not heeded, and the neglect of it is felt to the present day.
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Catalysis 1 . Nature 65, 522–526 (1902). https://doi.org/10.1038/065522a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/065522a0