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Chemistry is the physical science concerned with the composition, structure, and properties of matter, as well as the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. Energy and entropy are invariably important considerations in almost all chemical studies. The term chemistry is derived from the Egyptian word, kēme (chem), meaning earth.[1] Scientists engaged in chemical research are known as chemists.[1]
 Chemistry is the study of interactions of chemical substances with one another and energy. |
2. Chemistry is sometimes called the "the central science" because it is seen as occupying an intermediate position between physics and biology in a hierarchy of the sciences by "reductive level".[1] It is called thus also because it serves as the interface to practically all of the other sciences, as well as to many other areas of human endeavor.[1]
3. Disciplines within chemistry are traditionally grouped by the type of matter being studied or the kind of study. These include:
Many more specialized disciplines have emerged in recent years, e.g. quantum chemistry, the mathematical study of the fundamental behavior of matter at the molecular scale, and neurochemistry, the chemical study of the nervous system.
4. Historically, modern chemistry evolved out of alchemy, which had been practiced for several millennia in various parts of the world, particularly the Middle East.[1] Many scholars in those days thought it reasonable to believe that there exist means for transforming cheaper (base) metals into gold. Its beginnings can be traced to the widely observed phenomenon of burning that led to metallurgy, the art and science of processing ores to get metals. Medieval Muslims are sometimes considered to be the earliest chemists because they introduced precise observation and controlled experimentation into the field, and discovered numerous chemical substances. The works of Geber, one of the most influential Muslim chemists, became more widely known in Europe through Latin translations in 14th century Spain. However, Antoine Lavoisier is often celebrated as the "Father of Modern Chemistry". The discoveries of the chemical elements eventually culminated in the creation of the periodic table of the chemical elements in 1869 by the Russian chemist, Dmitri Mendeleev,[1] and later discoveries of some synthetic elements.
5. Chemistry is an integral part of the science curriculum, both at the high school as well as the early college level. At these levels, it is often called 'general chemistry' which is an introduction to a wide variety of fundamental concepts that enable the student to acquire tools and skills useful at the advanced levels, whereby chemistry is invariably studied in any of its various sub-disciplines. Most chemists specialize in one or more sub-disciplines. more... at Wikipedia
