https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2019.008
Published: Kem. Ind. 68 (7-8) (2019) 317–322
Paper reference number: KUI-08/2019
Paper type: Professional paper / Chemistry in Teaching
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Elements and Elementary Substances

N. Raos

Abstract

The concept of element in the broader sense has two meanings. The first is quite practical: the product of chemical analysis which cannot be further decomposed (elementary or simple substance). The second is speculative: the part of a compound which remains unchanged by chemical reaction. However, the concept of element has been operative even before the advent of modern chemistry, finding its representation in classical Greek elements (water, earth, air, and fire) and tria prima of iatrochemists (mercury, salt, and sulphur). A short history of the concept of element is presented, with special emphasis on the natural philosophy of Empedocles, Aristotle, Paracelsus, Petrus Bonus, as well as on the more modern views on the nature of elements contemplated by Boyle, Lavoisier, and Mendeleev. The concept of element in the light of atomic theory is briefly discussed, especially regarding the large number of carbon alotrophs.

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Keywords

chemistry education, history of chemistry, philosophy of chemistry, periodic system of elements