The Development of the Theory of Electrolytic Dissociation

The theory of electrolytic dissociation proved to be one of the most controversial in the history of chemistry. This paper examines the evidence proffered by Arrhenius, van't Hoff, and Ostwald in favour of the theory and outlines the objections raised by Armstrong, Fitzgerald, and Pickering. The controversy revolved partly around the nature of the emerging new chemistry and has important implications for the study of the nature of science. Some important observations are made in relation to the teaching and learning of chemistry.