https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2017.022
Published: Kem. Ind. 67 (1-2) (2018) 67–71
Paper reference number: KUI-22/2017
Paper type: Professional paper / Chemistry in Teaching
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Etymological Approach to the Teaching of Chemistry

N. Raos

Abstract

In the teaching of new terms in chemistry, it is not enough to explain their meaning; it is also necessary to explain their etymology. Such an approach leads to a deeper understanding of technical terms and provides an original insight into the history of chemistry. This paper shows through different ways of naming chemical elements (after their physico-chemical properties, in honour of nation or notable scientists), a different attitude toward chemistry and science in the past. On the other hand, analysis of the names of organic substances reveals that organic chemistry was basically an analytical discipline, not a synthetic one. The development of the systematic (IUPAC) nomenclature reflects, however, the rise of organic synthesis since the end of the 19^th century. Finding the origin of chemical terms may be both amusing and instructive, and therefore it has to be popularized in the basic teaching of chemistry.

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Keywords

chemical education, history of chemistry, linguistics, chemical nomenclature, chemical terminology