Abstract
THIS little book, originally a thesis for the Ph.D. degree of the University of London, is written, according to the author, to dispel the mists which are gathering around our conception of the phlogiston theory: indeed, definite misstatements with regard to it are becoming increasingly common. In any event, it is useful to have in one book the full story of the wax and wane of the theory through a century of chemical history. At the outset of the eighteenth century, alchemy was flourishing and the philosopher's stone was still eagerly sought. By the end of it, quantitative chemistry had begun, chemical combination was being understood: chemistry had advanced in spite of the phlogiston theory, the work of Lavoisier had overthrown the doctrine of Stahl.
The History of the Phlogiston Theory.
By Dr. J. H. White. Pp. 192. (London: Edward Arnold and Co., 1932.) 6s. net.
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The History of the Phlogiston Theory . Nature 131, 531 (1933). https://doi.org/10.1038/131531c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/131531c0