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Herman HessRussian chemist
Date of Birth: 07.08.1802
Country:  Russia |
Content:
Hermann Heinrich Gustav Hess: Russian Chemist and Father of Thermochemistry
Hermann Heinrich Gustav Hess was a Russian chemist born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1802. He made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the area of thermochemistry.
Early Life and Education
Hess completed his medical studies at the University of Dorpat (now the University of Tartu) in 1825. He continued his education at the University of Stockholm and returned to Russia in 1830.
Contributions to Thermochemistry
Hess is best known for his groundbreaking work in thermochemistry. In 1840, he proposed that the heat effects of chemical reactions could measure their chemical affinity. This concept was a precursor to the law of constant heat summation, also known as Hess's law.
This law states that the total heat evolved or absorbed in a chemical reaction depends only on the initial and final states of the reactants and products and not on the intermediate steps in the process.
Other Discoveries and Research
In addition to his work in thermochemistry, Hess discovered several new minerals, including uvarovite, hydroboracite, and folbortite. He also made contributions to the understanding of cobalt oxides and the catalytic properties of finely divided platinum. He was one of the first to study the composition of Caucasian petroleum and discovered saccharic acid.
Legacy
Hess's foundational work in thermochemistry played a pivotal role in the development of the field. His textbooks, including "Основания чистой химии" (1831), which went through seven editions, widely disseminated his knowledge and ideas. In recognition of his contributions, the mineral silver telluride was named hessite in his honor.
