history of chemistry

Chemistry has a history that continues to be written every day. The rapid development of the natural sciences, and of chemistry in particular, presents society with new challenges. Only those who know their history can successfully shape the future, because scientific progress is based not only on current research, but also on what has been handed down. We learn from examples in the past how to manage technological and knowledge leaps in a way that takes people with us and delivers the greatest benefit for society.

Short link to this page: www.gdch.de/geschichte

We are a dedicated community of around 400 chemists, historians of science, teachers and students who are interested in the rich history of chemistry.

Our tasks are:

• to arouse and maintain interest in and understanding of the historical study of chemistry
• to encourage historical investigations into chemistry
• to promote the study of history of chemistry at universities
• to stimulate interest in local history of chemistry
• to promote the use of historical topics in school lessons
• to bring history of chemistry to the attention of the general public
• to support museums and exhibitions on the history of chemistry
• to raise awareness of the importance of bequests.

To achieve this, we promote contacts and the exchange of experience among members and with colleagues abroad. Every two years, we organise a Conference on the history of chemistry at changing locations, publish, among other things, the Mitteilungen as a publication forum for historical studies of chemistry, and support the work of the GDCh Commission “Historical Sites of Chemistry”. In doing so, we work closely with other GDCh Divisions, particularly the JCF (YoungChemistryForum), the Division of Chemical Education and the Senior Expert Chemists.

If you would like to financially support the work of the Division of History of Chemistry, we would be pleased to receive donations. These can be transferred to the following account:

Account holder: German Chemical Society e.V.
IBAN: DE36 5007 0010 0096 6416 01
BIC: DEUTDEFFXXX
Bank: Deutsche Bank AG
Reference: Donation to the Division of History of Chemistry

Donations of less than €300 can be declared on your tax return without a donation receipt. Donations of €300 or more require the additional information
“Please issue a donation receipt” in the reference.

• Mitteilungen der Fachgruppe Geschichte der Chemie
• Newsletter of the Division of History of Chemistry
• Milestone in chemistry
• From school year to school year – highlights from the history of chemistry
• Eyewitness accounts

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