MadSci Network: Science History
Query:

Re: Why do some elements have symbols that have nothing to do with their name?

Date: Mon Mar 13 09:15:01 2000
Posted By: Dan Berger, Faculty Chemistry/Science, Bluffton College
Area of science: Science History
ID: 952731855.Sh
Message:

Usually, the source is the name in another language (typically Latin). For
example, potassium (K) is "kalium" (and is given that name in German).

For more information on this, you should go to WebElements at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/chemistry/web-elements/

                                                     Dan Berger


Current Queue | Current Queue for Science History | Science History archives

Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Science History.



MadSci Home | Information | Search | Random Knowledge Generator | MadSci Archives | Mad Library | MAD Labs | MAD FAQs | Ask a ? | Join Us! | Help Support MadSci


MadSci Network, webadmin@www.madsci.org
© 1995-2000. All rights reserved.