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  • Book
  • Open Access
  • © 2022

Making Ammonia

Fritz Haber, Walther Nernst, and the Nature of Scientific Discovery

Authors:

  1. Benjamin Johnson

    1. Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Mülheim, Germany

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  • This book is open access, which means that you have free and unlimited access

  • The only book on ammonia synthesis to place the discovery in the proper scientific context

  • Brings together the exactness of science with the unpredictability of human nature

  • Provides a complete description of the most important scientific discovery of the twentieth century

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Table of contents (22 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xvi
    PDF

  2. A Confluence of Factors

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-2
      PDF

    2. The Object of Investigation

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 3-7Open Access

    3. The Scientification of Agriculture

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 9-27Open Access

    5. The Mystery of Ammonia Synthesis

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 43-46Open Access

    6. Physical Chemistry: Uniting Two Branches of Science

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 47-53Open Access

    7. The Scientific Breakthrough (1903–1908)

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 55-57Open Access

    8. The Challenge of Technical Implementation

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 59-64Open Access

    9. Reflections on Scientific Discovery and The Haze

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 65-71Open Access

  3. The Scientific Breakthrough

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 73-75
      PDF

    4. The Scientific Publications on Ammonia Synthesis

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 107-147Open Access

    5. Haber’s Cooperation with BASF

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 149-156Open Access

    6. The Role of Physical Chemistry as a Theory

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 157-162Open Access

    7. Further Reflections on Scientific Discovery and The Haze

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 163-167Open Access

  4. The Haze: A Theory for Breakthroughs in Science

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 169-169
      PDF

    2. Terminology

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 171-173Open Access

    3. Normal Science

      • Benjamin Johnson
      Pages 175-177Open Access
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About this book

This Open Access book discusses the progress of science and the transfer of scientific knowledge to technological application. It also identifies the factors necessary to achieve this progress. Based on a case study of the physical chemist Fritz Haber's discovery of ammonia synthesis between 1903 and 1909, the book places Haber's work in historical and scientific (physicochemical) context. The scientific developments of the preceding century are framed in a way that emphasizes the confluence of knowledge needed for Haber's success. Against this background, Haber's work is presented in detail along with the indispensable contributions of his colleague, the physical chemist, Walter Nernst, and their assistants. The detailed accounts of scientific advancement remind us of the physical basis on which our scientific theories and ideas are built. Without this reminder we often forget how complex, and how beautiful achievements in science can be.



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Keywords

  • Open Access
  • Fritz Haber
  • Ammonia Synthesis
  • Scientific Discovery
  • Technological Innovation
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Theory of Scientific Progress
  • The challenge of technical Implementation
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Authors and Affiliations

  • Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Mülheim, Germany

    Benjamin Johnson

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About the author

Dr. Benjamin Johnson completed his Ph.D. in physics in 2010 at the Technische Universität Berlin with a thesis on thin layer solar cells investigated with X-ray spectroscopic methods. His later research focused on catalytic materials for alternative fuels. In 2015, Dr. Johnson began research in the field of science history, investigating progress in science and technological innovation. His work has resulted in a detailed portrayal of Fritz Haber’s discovery of ammonia synthesis in the first decade of the twentieth century. Continuing in the direction of scientific and technological development, Dr. Johnson is now applying these ideas to prospective technologies for the current energy transition. His approach combines the natural sciences with history and science communication to provide a roadmap for science-based governance incorporating voices from civil society
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Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Making Ammonia

  • Book Subtitle: Fritz Haber, Walther Nernst, and the Nature of Scientific Discovery

  • Authors: Benjamin Johnson

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-85532-1

  • Publisher: Springer Cham

  • eBook Packages: History, History (R0)

  • Copyright Information: The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2022

  • License: CC BY

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-030-85531-4Published: 11 May 2022

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-030-85534-5Published: 11 May 2022

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-030-85532-1Published: 10 May 2022

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: XVI, 278

  • Number of Illustrations: 1 b/w illustrations

  • Topics: History of Science, Physical Chemistry

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Buy it now

Softcover Book USD 49.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access

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