BULLETIN FOR THE HISTORY OF CHEMISTRY
Volume 51, 2026
Patterson, Gary D., “Torbern Bergman and the Role of Scandinavia in 18th Century Chemistry,” Bull. Hist. Chem., 2026, 51, 124-133.
https://doi.org/10.70359/bhc2026v051p124
ONLY HIST MEMBERS AND SUBSCRIBERS CAN ACCESS THIS FILE
Abstract/Description: In the 18th century Sweden was blessed with many great chemists. One of the greatest was Torbern Bergman (1735-1784). His contributions to the discussion of "chemical affinity" are discussed in the paper by Arthur Greenberg (pp 71-82). From his position as Professor of Chemistry at Uppsala University (1767-1784), he directed a massive effort in analytical chemistry. The permanent record of this work is the monumental two volume work, Physical and Chemical Essays (1784). The intent of the present essay is to briefly provide enough detail to give a sense of the state of Swedish chemistry in the 18th century, including blowpipe analysis.