Natural science university education in Czech Republic and in Russia

In this article the author’s experience of university studies in the field of natural science in Russia and Czech Republic is summarized and analyzed.     

The Beginnings of Organic Photochemistry

Although sunlight induced photochemistry must have occurred on the planet Earth for billions of years, the chemical changes caused by light have attracted systematic scientific scrutiny only relatively recently. How did scientists first conceive the idea that the interaction of materials with light could not only cause physical phenomena, but could also alter their chemical nature? When sunlight began to be employed as a heat source for distillation, the eventual discovery of photochemical reactions was assured. One can envision three types of changes that would have aroused the curiosity of laboratory chemists: color changes; the evolution of gas bubbles (oxygen in photosynthesis); and the precipitation of a photoproduct less soluble than its precursor. Less predictable was the observation that sunlight caused crystalline santonin to burst because it is converted into a product with a different crystal lattice. In the course of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries a variety of photochemical reactions, some observed by chance, others uncovered in carefully planned studies, ultimately led to a major systematic investigation that established photochemistry as a viable branch of chemistry.     

Periodization of the history of chemical analysis and analytical chemistry as a branch of science

In the periodization of the history of chemical analysis, it seems advisable to take into account changes in the priority problems and objects and methods of analysis and in the periodization of analytical chemistry as a science, changes in the substance matter and the level of scientific research, and also in the place of analytical chemistry in the system of sciences. Both periodizations are closely related, and the borders between the periods approximately coincide. This allows one to use a united periodization for educational purposes.     

A Letter Signed: The Very Beginnings of Dalton's Atomic Theory

Abstract

This paper explores the provenance and content of a previously unknown personal letter by John Dalton (1766–1844), which is dated 12 April 1803. It relates to a startling breakthrough in Dalton's research, which pre-dates by five months the earliest date in his laboratory notebook, namely, 6 September 1803. The author acquired the letter about thirty years ago, and now offers it to the public. He makes no attempt to explain how it contributes to — or even changes — our understanding of Dalton, but leaves that privilege to Dalton scholars.     

History of voltammetry in Russia

The paper considers the evolution of electroanalytical methods in the former Soviet Union and Russia for more than 50 years, including the establishment of scientific research centers, the development of new methods, and the formation of scientific schools. The history of voltammetry (VA) can be conventionally subdivided into two periods, the history of polarography (from the late 1930s to 1981–1987) and the history of VA in different versions. The material is obtained from original publications, reviews, and proceedings of specialized conferences. The role of academicians V.I. Vernadsky and A.P. Vinogradov in the formation and development of VA in the former Soviet Union is noted. It is shown that the first work on polarography in the former Soviet Union was published by E.N. Varasova, a colleague of Vernadsky and a former student of J. Heyrovsky and the translator of his first monograph. The statistics of conferences on polarography and conferences on electrochemical methods of analysis is presented; the high scientific and experimental level of Russian research centers is demonstrated; and the role of the school of electrochemistry established by A.N. Frumkin is shown.     

Analytical Chemistry in Russia

Analytical Chemistry in the former Soviet Union and Russia is considered. Areas of the present analytical science in the country are noted and significant achievements are mentioned. Important centers of the researches are listed and education in Analytical Chemistry is examined. Received: 7 July 1997 / Revised: 28 August 1997 / Accepted: 7 September 1997     

M?ssbauer spectroscopy with high velocity resolution: New possibilities of chemical analysis in material science and biomedical research

An improvement in velocity resolution of M?ssbauer spectroscopy permitted us to carry out a more detailed study of iron chemical state in various iron-containing compounds in a wide range of research. New possibilities of M?ssbauer spectroscopy with high velocity resolution were shown in the studies of meteorites, nanocomposites, pharmaceuticals and biological subjects.     

Development of methods of surface analysis in Russia

The present paper reviews the studies of Russian scientists devoted to the analysis of the surface of solids in 1991–2010. A special attention was paid to the determination of the chemical composition of surfaces of advanced materials and materials for micro- and nanoelectronics by means of electron, ion, and X-ray spectroscopy.     

Titanium raw materials of Russia

Russia takes the second place in the world with regard to proved reserves of titanium ores; however, no Russian deposits of titanium are involved in development. Development of 4–5 zirconium-titanium placers and 2–3 deposits of ilmenite-titanomagnetite ores will make it possible to completely satisfy the needs of the domestic industry for titanium and zirconium and to enter the global market with these products.     

A geat son of Russia

The main events in Dmitrii Ivanovich Mendeleev’s life and work are described on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of his birth. Little-known facts are given.