Quotes:Wöhler, Friedrich

Zirkoff, Boris

Wöhler, Friedrich. German chemist, b. at Eschersheim, July 31, 1800; d. Sept. 23, 1882. Studied at the Univ. of Marburg and Heidelberg, 1820–21; took degree in surgery, 1823, but was persuaded by Gmelin to devote himself to chemistry. Studied in Berzelius’ laboratory, Stockholm, 1825–31. Taught in Berlin and Cassel; appointed to the chair of chemistry in the medical faculty at Göttingen, 1836, holding also the office of inspector-general of pharmacies in the kingdom of Hanover. Worked with Liebig in a number of important investigations. First obtained metallic aluminium, 1827, and beryllium, 1828; his great contribution to the development of chemistry was the synthesis of the natural product urea, 1828; most of his work, however, was in the field of inorganic chemistry. Wrote 276 separate memoirs, and collaborated with others in 43 more. Published his famous Grundriss der anorganischen Chemie (1831), which ran through numerous editions, and a sequel on organic chemistry in 1840. Was joint editor with Liebig of the Annalen der Chemie und Pharmacie.

Source: Boris de Zirkoff, «H. P. Blavatsky Collected Writings», vol. 9, p. 458