Polymers - The Origin and Growth of a Science (Hardcover)

"Every once in a while, a truly unique book appears that stands out from all the rest. Professor Morawetz' latest work is such a book! It presents a thoroughly readable, yet scholarly history of polymer science from Berzelius (who coined the term "polymer") to 1960."-- Polymer News In this hardcover edition, a noted authority in the field traces the development of polymer science from its beginnings in the early 19th century to the 1960s. Meticulously researched and clearly written, this treatment is considered by many scientists the finest history of the subject--its conciseness and clarity making it accessible even to the layman. The book is divided into three parts: The first section covers the period up until 1914, describing early concepts of molecular structure, molecular weight, colloids, addition polymerization, natural polymers, and the beginning of polymer-based industries. In the second section, the author provides illuminating discussions of the work of Staudinger, Mark, Carothers and other pioneers as they sought to define the macromolecule. Topics include contributions to polymerizations, newer methods for measuring molecular weight and polymer solution theories. Finally, the third part covers more recent advances in polymerization, the rise of molecular biology, the impact of spectroscopy and other subjects. Unabridged Dover republication of the edition published by John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1985. 17 photographs. Introduction. Subject Index. Name Index. Epilogue. References.