CATALYST OR SYNTHESIS? CHEMICAL ENGINEERING IN THE LAND-GRANT COLLEGE (1)

摘要

Chemical engineering emerged in the land-grant college system in the early 20th century. The field is a particularly successful example of the fulfillment of the purpose of the Morrill Act of 1862, "to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life" (2). Although the elements of what would become the profession of chemical engineering-chemistry, mechanical engineering and mathematics-were prominent in "liberal and practical" education in the 19~(th) century, it was not until the 20th century that the modern discipline of chemical engineering synthesized in its contemporary form. Land-grant colleges and universities provided a catalyst for this synthesis.