1884 | Science
Science
Studies in Chemical Dynamics (Etudes de Dynamique chimique) by Dutch chemist Jacobus H. van't Hoff describes a new method for determining the order of a reaction, applies the laws of thermodynamics to chemical equilibriums, and contains the principles of chemical kinetics. Now 32, Hoff has been professor of chemistry, mineralogy, and geology at the University of Amsterdam since 1878.
Danish bacteriologist Hans Christian (Joachim) Gram, 30, at Berlin develops a dye system for distinguishing between the two major classes of bacteria (the Gram stain). Those bacteria that retain the violet dye will be classified as gram-positive, and the distinctions revealed by Gram's staining will later be correlated with other biochemical and morphological differences.
Genetics pioneer Gregor Mendel dies at Brünn January 6 at age 61; chemist Hermann Kolbe at Leipzig November 25 at age 66.