Variations on a Theme

This work examines affinity theories espoused by§British chemists of the 18th Century, exposing a§degree of theoretical variation at odds with the§received view of a unified, monolithic affinity§theory . Showing that affinity was valued for its§utility and its ability to guide chemical practice,§it explains how theories were formulated specifically§to assist the chemist at an operational level. This§work explores the roles assigned to affinity in§chemical practice and, in particular, in chemical§pedagogy. It traces a complex structure of§correspondences and divergences amongst affinity§theories by comparing theoretical components§performing the same operational role within different§theories. In spite of the evident variations amongst§affinity theories, a public consensus still held§throughout the 18th century. The lack of controversy§is evidence of an array of predominantly tacit§concepts forming part of each theory to which all§subscribed; this common ground was at the heart of§the apparent public consensus. The work shows how§in due course affinity became a fundamental part of§the chemical norm to which the majority of chemists§assented. This work examines affinity theories espoused by§British chemists of the 18th Century, exposing a§degree of theoretical variation at odds with the§received view of a unified, monolithic affinity§theory . Showing that affinity was valued for its§utility and its ability to guide chemical practice,§it explains how theories were formulated specifically§to assist the chemist at an operational level. This§work explores the roles assigned to affinity in§chemical practice and, in particular, in chemical§pedagogy. It traces a complex structure of§correspondences and divergences amongst affinity§theories by comparing theoretical components§performing the same operational role within different§theories. In spite of the evident variations amongst§affinity theories, a public consensus still held§throughout the 18th century. The lack of controversy§is evidence of an array of predominantly tacit§concepts forming part of each theory to which all§subscribed; this common ground was at the heart of§the apparent public consensus. The work shows how§in due course affinity became a fundamental part of§the chemical norm to which the majority of chemists§assented.