Читать книгу Molecular Mechanisms of Photosynthesis - Robert E. Blankenship - Страница 45

The period between 1771 and 1804 was exciting in the history of photosynthesis. In this short time, the basic chemical equation of photosynthesis was established, which in 1804 could be written as:

(3.1)

This was not yet a balanced equation, as the nature of the organic matter had not been established, and even the proper chemical formula for water had not yet been established! The concept of atoms combining to form molecules was just being formulated by John Dalton (1766–1844) near the end of this period, but unambiguous chemical formulas were not established for another 50 years.

It should be clear that the elucidation of the equation of photosynthesis was an amazing feat, which required contributions from many brilliant and hardworking scientists of differing backgrounds and points of view. It should also be clear from this example that science is very much an enterprise carried out by human beings, who are often blinded by preconceived ideas, ego, and jealousy.