BULLETIN FOR THE HISTORY OF CHEMISTRY
Volume 51, 2026
Patterson, Gary D., “Electrochemistry in the 18th Century,” Bull. Hist. Chem., 2026, 51, 114-123.
https://doi.org/10.70359/bhc2026v051p114
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Abstract/Description: Modern chemistry combines all forms of matter with all forms of energy to produce a lively science and industry. Electricity became a part of chemistry in the 18th century. In Europe and the United States, Benjamin Franklin greatly advanced the understanding of static and dynamic electricity. In France Charles Dufay earned his election to the Académie as a chemist for his pioneering researches in electricity. He was joined by Jean-Antoine Nollet. In England Joseph Priestley and Henry Cavendish made major contributions. In Italy, Volta combined a growing knowledge of the science of electricity with a desire to produce useful technology. Long before the "electron" was discovered and characterized, chemists knew that electricity flowed from regions of excess charge to regions of deficient charge. This preliminary essay is intended to stimulate further research in what I believe is a rich area for further investigation.