According to Ihde (The Development of Modern Chemistry), vitalism was a widespread belief that organic compounds were produced through the agency of a vital force that was present only in living plants and animals.  In 1828, Friedrich Wohler synthesized urea from the reaction of the inorganic starting materials silver cyanate and aqueous ammonium chloride.  Wohler'sdiscovery was not a death blow for vitalism, but much later was interpreted as such.  This talk will trace the origin, development and continuing existence of vitalistic thought even after Wohler's surprising discovery.

"Death" of vitalism:  Myth and reality

240th National Meeting (2010)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.