From Jane Marcet to the Viscount of Vilarinho de São Romão: conversations about chemistry in the nineteenth century

Abstract

Jane Marcet’s Conversations on chemistry was adapted and published in Portuguese by António Teixeira Girão in 1834, based on a translation of Anselme Payen’s adaptation, released in 1825. Girão added many notes and a new chapter to his version. The article analyzes the scientific content and circumstances surrounding publication of Girão’s book within the context of the diverse approaches used in adapting Conversations at different moments in time and in different countries. The analysis draws from our compilation of editions accessible online at public libraries around the world. It also explores issues related to authorship, translation, adaptation, and gender in scientific publishing in the nineteenth century.

history of chemistry; women in science; translation and adaptation of scientific works; Casa Pia de Lisboa; teaching of chemistry