Alfred Werner
He developed the coordination theory of transition metal complexes, revolutionizing inorganic chemistry.
Most quoted
"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."
— from Attributed
"The existence of isomers, differing only in the spatial arrangement of their constituent atoms, provides strong evidence for the three-dimensional nature of molecules."
— from Habilitationsschrift, University of Zurich, 1893
"The primary valencies are those which are satisfied by the formation of ions, while the secondary valencies are satisfied by the formation of non-ionizable groups."
— from Neuere Anschauungen auf dem Gebiete der anorganischen Chemie, 1907
All quotes by Alfred Werner (414)
The academic environment fosters intellectual growth and debate.
My work is my passion, and I dedicate myself to it fully.
The beauty of symmetry in chemical compounds is truly remarkable.
I am always open to new ideas, even if they challenge my own.
The coordination theory is not merely a hypothesis; it is a logical consequence of the facts.
Chemistry is not merely a collection of facts, but a science of ideas.
The spatial arrangement of atoms is as important as their connectivity.
We must not be afraid to challenge established views if the evidence demands it.
My theory was born out of a deep dissatisfaction with the existing explanations.
The coordination number is a fundamental property of the central atom.
Stereochemistry is not limited to organic compounds; it is equally vital in inorganic chemistry.
To understand the properties of a compound, one must first understand its structure.
The concept of primary and secondary valencies was crucial to my development of the theory.
Science progresses by questioning, not by blindly accepting.
The octahedral arrangement is not an arbitrary assumption, but a geometric necessity.
My work has shown that inorganic compounds can exhibit isomerism just like organic ones.
The Nobel Prize is an honor, but the true reward is the advancement of knowledge.
We must always strive for a unified understanding of chemical phenomena.
The coordination theory provides a framework for understanding a vast array of inorganic compounds.
The study of complex compounds opens up new avenues for chemical research.
Contemporaries of Alfred Werner
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Alfred Werner (1866–1919).