The following pages are taken from the 1997 History of Electrochemistry calendar. It is provided each year as a service to science teachers and other educators as part of the chemical education outreach program of

Bioanalytical Systems, Inc.

Introduction
In the mid-1780s, anatomist Luigi Galvani (Bologna, Italy) was studying the effects of atmospheric electrical discharge. One day, in his garden, he fastened brass hooks between the spinal cord of a dissected frog and an iron railing. To his amazement the frog's legs began twitching wildly, not only when lightning flashed, but also when the sky was calm. Galvani chose to interpret this observation (incorrectly) as “animal electricity”. His papers on the subject ignited research among the elite scientists of Europe, inspired pseudo-science “lectures” such as the one described on the 1804 era poster depicted here, and even influenced 20th century works of fiction such as the Frankenstein movies. The most significant consequence of Galvani’s discovery was the concept of “Galvanism” which refers to the production of electrical current from the contact of two metals in a moist environment.

The first battery (“Crown of Cups”) was developed by Allessandro Volta (Como, Italy) in 1796 as part of a series of experiments which refuted “animal electricity”. His “Voltaic Pile” was a landmark invention and was quickly improved by a series of developments throughout the 19th century, exemplified by the work of Becquerel, Daniell, Grove and others. Battery research today is undergoing a renaissance as products such as cellular phones, laptop computers, handheld games and portable medical devices depend on lightweight, reliable and long-lasting batteries.

By the early twentieth century, the concept of electroanalytical chemistry emerged as electrocapillary measurements were conducted with dropping mercury electrodes. The advent of polarography, as pioneered by Jaroslav Heyrovský, initiated rapid development of electroanalysis, culminating in powerful new techniques such as Osteryoung Square Wave Voltammetry.

Although this is by no means a comprehensive history, it does include some of the most influential members in the fraternity of electrochemists. Most of them did not consider themselves to be electrochemists, or even chemists. Physicians, engineers, natural philosophers and physicists predominate. As we move towards a new millenium, the uses of electrochemistry continue to flourish. Microelectrodes probe single cells, and fuel cells orbit the earth. We hope this pays adequate homage to those scientists, from Galvani to Heyrovský, whose insights set us on the paths we follow to this day.

Acknowledgements:
Production of this calendar would not have been possible without the enthusiastic support of several individuals with an interest in the history of chemistry. The concept was donated by Professor Derek Davenport (Purdue University) to whom we also owe thanks for several of the historical profiles. Professor William Jensen (University of Cincinnati) provided extraordinary assistance in locating most of the photographs from the Oesper Collection in the History of Chemistry. Professor Petr Zuman (Clarkson University) generously lent biographical information and rare photographs of Heyrovský. Leslie Overstreet of the Dibner Library (Smithsonian Institution, Washington) helped by finding J.F. Daniell's visage among the archives (photographed by Mark Gulezian/QuickSilver Photographers). Thanks also to the staff of the Tippecanoe County Historical Museum for research on the paper, typography and design styles of the nineteenth century. Much of the historical information was found in the excellent Dictionary of Scientific Biography series (Charles Scribner's Sons, New York).