Short history on the nomenclature of chemical elements

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:5134141

Holden, N E

This paper looks at some aspects in the nomenclature of the chemical elements. A detailed history is available in the book by Weeks (M.E.Weeks, ''Discovery of the Elements'', Fifth Edition, Journal of Chemical Education, 1945). A review of some of these aspects might help shed light on the present perplexing problem facing the Inorganic Nomenclature Commission, i.e. the problem of trivial names for the heavy elements, whose discovery has been contested by rival groups. Since each of these groups claim primacy, while rejecting the alternative claims of their rivals, is history of any help in solving this dilemna. The following conclusions can be drawn from this discussion. The problem with more than one name for an element is not a new or unique situation. Perhaps it is time to reevaluate the generally accepted solutions. Since new elements are no longer being discovered but are being synthesized, maybe the old formula of allowing the first person to find the element be given the right to name it should be abandoned. It had been suggested previously that a list of names appropriate for elements be drawn up and the Commission could put a number of these in place. Then, when a newly synthesized element is verified, the ''new'' discoverer would be allowed to contribute a name into the list for some of the future elements. 5 refs.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Lab., Upton, NY (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-76CH00016
• OSTI ID: 5134141
• Report Number(s): BNL-NCS-36950; CONF-8508138-9; ON: DE86001192
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400200* -- Inorganic
Organic
& Physical Chemistry
ELEMENTS
HISTORICAL ASPECTS