Peter A. Thiessen: Physical Chemistry in the National Socialist State [May 9, 1936]

Abstract

In his article: ‘Intellectualistic Science’* Dr. Christian J. Hansen makes observations about the position of chemistry and the mission of physical chemistry, which cannot be disagreed with more earnestly. [²] There are inaccuracies and grave errors in every sentence of his representation. It is stated that “so-called physical chemistry dominates in chemistry”. Where exactly is it supposed to be dominating? In professorship appointments in chemistry? In the distribution of research establishments? In the expenditure of funds? The real situation looks entirely different. At all universities the branches of ‘classical’ chemistry are much better represented in numbers than physical chemistry. In the field of chemistry organic chemistry takes the lion’s share of regular professorships and especially of full professorships. Then inorganic chemistry follows, and only then, physical chemistry. At some universities the latter cannot claim any regular professorships of its own at all; and at a number of universities, it does not even have any research establishments to call its own that are independent of the main chemistry chair. The university policy of the National Socialist state is moving perceptibly towards strengthening the influence of physical chemistry, which is still widely underrated, and towards giving this field a greater role in the chemist’s training, as befits its importance.[³] Physical chemistry is not the ‘semi-science’ [Halbwissenschaft] that Hansen seems to think it is. It is not a hybrid of physics and chemistry unfit for the rigors of life and actually only belonging in a curiosity cabinet. On the contrary, it is an experimental science of fundamental importance to theoretical science and praxis.