- ISBN: 9780854041398 | 0854041397
- Cover: Hardcover
- Copyright: 12/1/2008
"Chemistry at Oxford: A History from 1600 to 2005 demonstrates how chemistry has advanced, not just as a consequence of research but, because of the idiosynchratic nature of the collegiate system and the characters of the individuals involved. In other words, it demonstrates that science is a human endeavour and its advance in any institution is conditioned by the organization and people within it." "For chemists, the main appeal will be the book's examination of the way separate branches of chemistry (organic, physical, inorganic and biological) have evolved in Oxford. It also enables comparison with the development of the subject at other universities such as Cambridge, London and Manchester." "For historians and sociologists, the book reveals the motivations of both scientists and non-scientists in the management of the school. It exposes the unusual character of Oxford University and the tensions between science and administration."--BOOK JACKET.