Technikatörténeti szemle 19. (1992)

KÖNYVISMERTETÉS - Papers of the First „MINERALKONTOR” International Conference on the History of Chemistry and Chemical Industry (Veszprém, 12-16 August, 1991)

year 1852 teaching duties reduced to chemistry and chemical technology. This change caused a rapid scientific development in the field. The Golden Age of organic chemistry Owing to the severe illness of Arppes successor, docent J. J. Chydenius (1836— 1890, professor 1871—1880), a very able organic chemist, other members of the staff managed the teaching duties during long periods. In 1882 Edvard Hjelt (1855—1921, professor 1882—1907, rector 1899—1907, vice-chancellor 1910— 17, chancellor 1917, senator and minister) was appointed professor in chemistry. During his time especially analysis and synthesis of aliphatic and alicyclic compounds were promoted. His textbook together with Ossian Aschan in organic chemistry was also commontly used in the curricula in German universities. Hjelt was in addition to his scientific research also politically active for the independence of Finland. The last decades of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century represent a Golden Age for organic chemistry in Finland. Thus the amount of students rose very rapidly from 40 in 1860—70, 60 in 1880—90 to 250 in 190010. The same trend is also seen in the increase of doctoral theses (Table 2). Table 2. Students and doctoral theses in chemistry Students/ Theses Comments term Gadd, P. A. 1761—97 20—30 102 (total) Few theses in pure chemistry Gadolin, J. 1785—1822 20—30 1830—50 20—30 0.15/yr 1850—60 40—50 0.2 1860—70 40 0.3 1870—80 60 0.3 1880—90 85 0.5 1890—1900 140 0.3 1903 first women 1900—10 250 1.0 PhD* 1910—20 200—250 1.5 about 30% of 1920—30 0.8 students women 1930—40 600—700 1.4 1940—50 a comparison 0.9 1950—60 impossible 3.0 1960—70 owing to 3.3 1966—88 changes Cand 52.2/yr, PhL 7.3/yr, of course PhD 4.1/yr.*) * Cand - Candidate of Philosophy (about 5 years), PhL - Licentiate of Philosophy (additional 3 years), PhD - Doctor of Philosophy (additional 3 years).