Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology
In the vast field of industrial chemistry, having a centralized, authoritative source of knowledge is essential for researchers and engineers. The Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology stands as one of the most significant English-language references in this domain, providing exhaustive detail on chemical products and the processes used to create them.
Origins and Development
The encyclopedia was conceived in the 1940s by two American chemists from New York University, Donald F. Othmer and Raymond E. Kirk. Their goal was to create an English-language counterpart to the renowned German reference work, Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry.
Originally published by Wiley, the encyclopedia's trajectory changed in 1996 when Wiley acquired the German publishing house Wiley-VCH. This acquisition brought the two premier chemical encyclopedias under a single corporate umbrella, allowing them to complement one another in the global scientific community.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Synergy with Ullmann's Encyclopedia
The relationship between Kirk-Othmer and Ullmann's is often viewed as a powerful partnership. The German chemistry magazine CHEManager highlighted this synergy, noting that the two works are "unbeatable" as a pair because their combined knowledge provides answers to nearly every question regarding chemical products and processes.
This complementary nature was further analyzed and compared in a 2007 report by Reference Reviews, cementing the status of both works as indispensable tools for the chemical industry.
Scope and Scale
The sheer volume of information contained within the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia reflects the complexity of modern chemical technology. As of 2004, the work had reached its 5th edition, showcasing an immense scale of documentation.
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Volumes | 27 |
| Number of Articles | Over 1,300 |
| Total Page Count | Over 22,950 |
Key Facts
- Founders: Created by Donald F. Othmer and Raymond E. Kirk of New York University.
- Purpose: Developed as an English-language alternative to the German Ullmann's Encyclopedia.
- Publisher: Published by Wiley (which merged with Wiley-VCH in 1996).
- Scale: The 5th edition comprises 27 volumes and more than 22,950 pages.
- Content: Contains over 1,300 specialized articles on chemical technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia?
The encyclopedia was started in the 1940s by American chemists Donald F. Othmer and Raymond E. Kirk from New York University.
How does Kirk-Othmer relate to Ullmann's Encyclopedia?
Kirk-Othmer was designed as an English counterpart to the German Ullmann's Encyclopedia. Since 1996, both have been managed by Wiley following the acquisition of Wiley-VCH.
How large is the 5th edition of the encyclopedia?
The 5th edition is extensive, consisting of 27 volumes, over 1,300 articles, and more than 22,950 pages.
What is the primary focus of the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia?
It focuses on providing comprehensive technical knowledge regarding chemical products and the industrial processes involved in their production.
Which publisher currently handles the encyclopedia?
The encyclopedia is published by Wiley.