Abstract In 1871, Mendeleev foresaw “Ekaaluminium” based on the periodic law of elements. In 1875, Boisbaudran isolated gallium elements based on empirical research. Until the discovery of gallium isotopes in the 20th century, the development of the concept of gallium elements went through three periods of hypothesis, formation and new cognition. With the evolution of scientific thought and the progress of science and technology, the concept of gallium has continued to develop, and people’s understanding of gallium has also experienced a development process from macroscopic phenomena to microscopic essence, from hypothesis to objective reality. The discovery process of the element gallium reflects the importance of the scientific method. The discovery of gallium also facilitated the spread of the idea of periodic law.
ZHANG Wen-Ya, YUAN Zhen-Dong. From “Ekaaluminium” to Gallium Isotopes: Discovery of Element Gallium and Historical Evolution of Its Concept[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2024, 45(6): 113-118.
