WALTHER NERNST LECTURE IN BRAZIL

Walther Hermann Nernst is known to have established the basis for the third law of thermodynamics and also as one of the founders of the modern physical chemistry. For his work in chemical thermodynamics, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in chemistry, in 1920. An important fact about this scientist life, not always realized, was his stay in Brazil, in 1914, for a short period. He went to the city of São Paulo, where he gave a conference at the Faculdade São Bento. He talked about thermodynamics to a very selected audience. The work presented here explores this visit to Brazil, the importance the newspaper gave to this important visitor, and the community present at his lecture. His impression of Brazil was certainly positive, since one of his daughter immigrates to Brazil in 1939. It is hoped the material will add relevant information to the history of chemistry in Brazil.