In this book Professor Laidler gives an account of the scientific development of physical chemistry over the years; through its emergence as a distinct discipline in the late 19th century, to the development of the subject in modern times. He considers some of the difficulties faced by early investigators, as a result of attitudes of the Churches, governments, and even the universities which were mainly interested in classical studies at first. Some account is also given of the way in which physical scientists have communicated with each other.