Wilhelm Ostwald

Robert Smail Jack is an emeritus professor from the Institute for Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University of Greifswald, Germany. A native English speaker who has been living in Germany for many years, he has a vital interest in the history of science, and in making historical facts available for a broader audience. Combined with his scientific background, this made him an ideal candidate for translating Wilhelm Ostwald's autobiography.Fritz Scholz is the Chair of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry at Greifswald University's Institute of Biochemistry. He has several years experience as an editor and author, e.g. as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry, of the new textbook journal ChemTexts, as Series Editor for the book series Monographs in Electrochemistry, and numerous book projects, in particular in the field of Electrochemistry. In his spare time, Fritz Scholz has a vital interest in the history of science, especially of chemistry and physics.Together the two editors form an optimal team to provide a painstakingly accurate translation of Wilhelm Ostwald's autobiography, enriched with explanatory comments and background information to help readers understand the historical context. Wilhelm Ostwald was one of the most outstanding personalities in physical chemistry in the early 20th century, and has left enormous impacts still visible today. In his autobiographical reflections, readers will find a wealth of information, which will open up a new perspective on the historical development of physical chemistry as experienced by an eyewitness. Robert Jack and Fritz Scholz have now made this record of contemporary scientific history available for an international audience for the first time.