A “escola de formação de químicos” de Justus von Liebig: a consolidação de uma metodologia de ensino

Abstract

This thesis is the result of a research that explored the teaching methodology of the german chemist Justus von Liebig with the purpose of investigating the consolidation of his teaching profile, bases and influences during his practice at the University of Gießen. Therefore we approach the chemist biography, traversing the paths from his childhood untill he became a professor. In the preparation of this project, we sought to analyze the original works from this author of the 19th century, collected in the museum dedicated to him and the university where he worked, both in the city of Gießen in Germany, as well as materials available in virtual libraries, documents containing statements by some of his students and secondary project from the scientist, without neglecting the historical context of the operation of the laboratories, discussing with the one the researcher had set up in Gießen. Through publishings from some of his former students, we were able to critically discuss the particular characteristics of the chemist as a professor. The results indicate that although it is not the first teaching laboratory, some characteristics of its performance as a teacher were decisive in influencing other scholars to devote themselves to the study of the natural sciences. It is hoped that this work can serve as an inspiration and as an example that the scientist and the educator can coexist in the same personality without prejudice to any of the characteristics, also to demonstrate that great scientists are dedicated people, but like all human beings, there are qualities and imperfections besides there is no formula to teach but the ideal behind each individual.