Wilno chemiczne - do połowy XIX stulecia
ENThis work presents an outline history of the Vilna chemists’ circles, from their beginnings at around 1780 until the closing down by the Tsarist authorities of the Vilna Medico-Surgical Academy in 1841. It was the heyday of these circles. The work highlights the pioneering achievements of Jędrzej Śniadecki, and in particular his contribution to the development of organic chemistry as a separate brunch of science. In addition, it discusses three editions of his “Origins of Chemistry”. Then, work deals with accomplishments of Jędrzej Śniadecki’s disciples, and in particular Ignacy Fonberg’s ones, Śniadecki’s immediate successor to the helm of the Chemistry Department. Furthermore, it documents passions and achievements of Vilna chemistry students, members of Filareci and Filomaci circles, scattered around the world following the failure of the 1830 November Uprising. Finally, the work presents a broad overview of Theodor Grotthuss’s life and work, and in particular his influence on, and involvement in, Vilna chemists’ circles.
