Wilhelm Friedrich Ostwald (2.09.1853 —4.04.1932) was a German physical chemist and idealist philosopher, a corresponding member of the Berlin Academy of Sciences (1905). He was born in Riga. He graduated from the University of Dorpat (Tartu) (1875). In 1882-87 he was professor at the Polytechnic Institute in Riga, and in 1887—1906 at the University of Leipzig, where he was also director (1898—1906) of the Institute of Electrochemistry.
His research concerned mainly physical chemistry, of which he was one of the founders, in particular the theory of electrolytic dissociation, chemical kinetics, catalysis, and the study of colours and dyes. He established (1888) the dilution law that bears his name. He actively defended and promoted the reactionary theory of energetism. For a long time he denied the reality of the existence of atoms. In 1908, however, under the influence of experimental facts that confirmed the discrete structure of matter, he admitted his defeat in the struggle against the atomic theory.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1909). In 1887 he founded the “Journal of Physical Chemistry”, and in 1889 the “Classics of Science” series. He created a scientific school. A corresponding member of the St Petersburg Academy of Sciences (1896).