The Road to Chemical Names and Eponyms: Discovery, Priority, and Credit

Discovery is a two-step process—finding and comprehending (see scheme). The history of chemistry contains incorrect attributions, mistakes, and problems created by conflicting interpretations. But retrospective analyses can set matters straight and give credit where credit is due. Language and naming also convey a fascinating human side to research and illustrate that chemical discovery is multifaceted, evolutionary, and very much alive.