Scientific genealogies of physical and mechanistic organic chemists

Abstract

Scientific genealogy trees of scientists who contributed to the study of organic reaction mechanisms over the last century are presented. The trees show doctoral and post-doctoral connections among scientists as well as connections between scientific ideas. Contributions made by scientists working in laboratories at Canadian universities and at the National Research Council of Canada are noted throughout. These trees, covering more than two centuries, are of interest to senior scientists and young students of science alike in understanding the evolution of scientific ideas and in career development for aspiring scientists. Key patterns revealed by these trees pertaining to ideas and discoveries made, how they were made, connections between them, and who made them are also discussed.Key words: reaction mechanisms, physical organic chemistry, scientific genealogies.