Scientific controversies in 19th century Chemistry

Abstract

Some representative cases of the scientific controversies that led to consolidate Chemistry in 19th century and to establish the present theories, are studied. Polemics related with combination laws, chemical symbols, beginnings of structural theory, and real existence of atoms and molecules, are especially analysed. The global study of these controversies shows both dialectic (with opposition of contraries) and dialogue (with complementary entities) contradictions and suggests that one of the central problems to be accomplished by Chemistry was the full acceptance of the atomic and molecular nature of matter.