Justus von Liebig

This book presents the English translation of “Organic Chemistry in Its Application to Agriculture and Physiology”, a foundational work by Justus von Liebig (1803–1873), the father of modern agrochemistry and mineral fertilization, along with expert commentary.

At just 21, Liebig—recommended by Alexander von Humboldt —was appointed professor of chemistry at the University of Giessen. There, he perfected elemental analysis and pioneered the isolation and synthesis of organic compounds. In connection with an invitation from the British Association for the Advancement of Science in Liverpool, Liebig travelled through England and Ireland, visited numerous chemical factories. This journey inspired him to explore applied chemistry, and in 1840, he authored “Organic Chemistry in Its Application to Agriculture and Physiology”, the text reproduced in this volume. In this work, Liebig laid the foundation for agricultural chemistry, introduced the concept of the carbon cycle, and ignited debates that reshaped scientific thought.

Essential reading for scholars, students, and enthusiasts, this volume offers deep insight into the history of chemistry and its lasting impact on agriculture and environmental science.

Author Biography

Georg Schwedt was a professor of Analytical Chemistry at the TU Clausthal until his retirement in 2006. He has previously authored volumes on Fresenius and Ostwald in the series “Klassische Texte der Wissenschaft”. He is the author of numerous academic books.