Bård Lindström

A Brief History of Catalysis

Historical studies are usually divided into segments of time that were marked by intellectual progress or specific achievements. Some periods are clearly identified by great events or an individual accomplishment that revolutionizes the entire concept. However, in most cases the advancement from one period to another is not marked by distinct accomplishments, but rather the result of a series of advances. This paper follows this conventional style and we have divided our subject of catalysis into five distinct periods.