About the book

In selecting the material and the order of presentation for this work I have been guided by the definition of electrochemistry, given by Kislyakovsky in 1912, as the science “concerned with the study of the phenomena accompanying the direct conversion of chemical energy into electrical and vice versa''. This definition was taken further by Pisarzhevsky, who was the first to formulate clearly the prerequisites for mutual conversion of chemical and electrical forms of energy and introduce the concept of electrochemical system in which this process is possible. Our presentation is based on the theory of electrochemical systems, their constituent parts and their possible states. It seems to me that these principles permit one to visualize electrochemistry as an integral whole and independent, self-contained discipline and clearly define the boundaries separatum it from closely related sciences.

Much attention is paid to disclosing the physical content of electrochemical phenomena and the essence of the related theoretical conceptions The mathematical apparatus is relatively simple, and only the general principles of electrochemical experiment are given. Experimental procedures are described in more detail only where it is necessary for the understanding of the nature of the process in question or the essence of the theoretical views concerned.

In writing this textbook I have tried to cover all the basic aspects of theoretical electrochemistry and to reflect as completely as possible the latest advances and trends in its development. I hope that this has been accomplished to some extent but though I have tried to be objective I have probably not avoided a certain preference what seemed to me more correct, and particularly more important and interesting. In this connection it would seem appropriate to recall Mendeleyev’s words in the preface to the fifth edition of his famous ``Fundamentals of Chemistry'': - `in all objective expositions of science, there will always and inevitably be much that is subjective, bearing the stamp of the times and place... separate works, like a mirror, will reflect that which is near more clearly and strongly... although I have striven to make my book a true mirror—what is dear to me has involuntarily been reflected most sharply and illuminated more clearly, and presented, through the reflection, in all its pristine brightness'. The truth of these words has probably been felt by everyone who has tried to generalize the material of any science or branch of it.