Chronology
This table is an incomplete chronology of events where physical molecular models provided major scientific insights.
| Developer(s) | Approximate date | Technology | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kepler | sphere packing, symmetry of snowflakes. | ||
| Loschmidt | 2-D graphics | representation of atoms and bonds by touching circles | |
| Hofmann | ball-and-stick | first recognisable physical molecular model | |
| van't Hoff | paper? | representation of atoms as tetrahedra supported the development of stereochemistry | |
| Bernal | Plasticine and spokes | model of liquid water | |
| Corey, Pauling, Koltun (CPK coloring) | Space-filling models of alpha-helix, etc. | Pauling's "Nature of the Chemical Bond" covered all aspects of molecular structure and influenced many aspects of models | |
| Crick and Watson | spikes, flat templates and connectors with screws | model of DNA | |
| Molecular graphics | ca 1960 | display on computer screens | complements rather than replaces physical models |
Read more about this topic: Molecular Model