A clear, foundational survey of solution chemistry and electrolysis for students and curious readers.
This edition presents the early experiments, key ideas, and practical methods that shaped the field.
William C. Dampier Whetham’s concise introduction explains how solutions form, how solubility changes with temperature, and how substances interact with water. It also covers the electrical properties of solutions and the basics of electrolysis, blending observed facts with necessary theory to guide understanding without overwhelming detail.
The book highlights important concepts such as solubility curves, diffusion, osmotic pressure, and the conductivity of electrolytes. It also describes experimental methods used to measure resistances and conductivities, and it situates these ideas in the broader history of chemistry.
- How solubility varies with temperature and why saturation changes with heat.
- Basic diffusion, osmosis, and the concept of osmotic pressure.
- Electrical properties of solutions and the behavior of ions in liquids.
- Simple experimental methods for studying electrolytes and electrolysis.
Ideal for readers seeking a historical and practical introduction to solution chemistry and its electrical foundations.