From "Greasy Chemistry" to "Macromolecule": Thoughts on the Historical Development of the Concept of a Macromolecule

Pedro J. Bernal
Department of Chemistry, Rollins College, Winter Park, FL 32789
J. Chem. Educ., 2006, 83 (6), p 870
DOI: 10.1021/ed083p870
Publication Date (Web): June 1, 2006
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

This paper presents a narrative about the historical development of the concept of a macromolecule. It does so to illustrate how the history of science might be used as a pedagogical tool to teach science, particularly to non-majors. To help with this purpose, the paper includes extensive quotations to give a sense of the tone of the debate and contains pedagogical commentaries on the kinds of questions that the history of science allows us to consider. In addition, I argue that knowledge of the history of science might help combat an attitude that I have termed "presentism". Examples are given.

Keywords (Audience):

First-Year Undergraduate / General

Keywords (Domain):

Curriculum

Keywords (Subject):

Colloids
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  • Received: August 03, 2009

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