The work in your hand contains three main chapters covering the chemistry of the condensed
phase in the atmosphere first the different forms of atmospheric waters (precipitation fog
and clouds dew) and secondly dust now mostly termed particulate matter and more
scientifically atmospheric aerosol. A third section treats the gases in the atmosphere. An
introductory chapter covers the roots of the term atmospheric chemistry in its relations to
chemistry in general and biogeochemistry as the chemistry of the climate system. Furthermore a
brief overview of understanding chemical reactions in aqueous and gaseous phase is given. It is
my aim to pay respect to all persons who studied the substances in the air to those who made
small and to them who made giant contributions for the progress in atmospheric science. I'm
not a historian who is able to present the past from a true perspective of their time - this
also would not be my aim. If possible however I try to interpret the past - almost limited to
experimental fi ndings in the nineteenth century - through current values without dismissal of
the problems and ideas of earlier scientists. In this way it is possible to draw some ideas on
the historical chemical state of the air. Hence I name this voyage critical. However nowhere
in this book it is my attention to express my criticism to colleagues and scientifi c
ancestors. Great scientists too were subject to errors doing science consists from the
permanent loop observation interpretation conclusion and again testing against new
observation. If this volume can contribute more than to be a nice story on atmospheric
chemistry then hopefully it inspires the reader to more critical reading of scientifi c
publications and not to forget the older one. 2022 ASLI Choice Awards Winner! The book won
the annual Atmospheric Science Librarians International (ASLI) award. For details see here:
https: www.aslionline.org wp 2022-asli-choice-awards-winners
