It has pleased no less than surprised me that of the many studies whereby I have sought to extend the field of general chemistry, the highest scientific distinction that there is today has been awarded for those on catalysis.

; Jespersen O. Leipzig. Energetische Grundlagen der Kulturwissenschaft (1st ed.

Ostwald Jacobus Henricus van 't Hoff and Svante Arrhenius are usually credited with being the modern founders of the field of physical chemistry. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1909 for his work on catalysis chemical equilibria and reaction velocities.