A brief history of heat measurements by calorimetry with emphasis on the thermochemistry of metallic and metal-nonmetal compounds

Abstract A brief summary of the history of heat measurements is assessed from the Graeco-Roman time period to the first quantitative heat measurement in the 18th century. The concept of heat as energy is emphasized as a milestone in the development. The development of the modern calorimeters are summarized. Illustrations show the different types of equipment as designed for a variety of aims and purpose. In chronological order we illustrated the calorimeters by Lavoisier(1789), by Kawakami(1927), by Kubaschewski and Walter(1939), by Calvet(1950), by Kleppa(1955–2006), by Ticknor and Bever(1954), by Gachon(1979), by Cacciamani(1995), by Jung(2003) and by Navrotsky(2016). We discussed the theoretical and practical significance of calorimetry. The types of calorimetry measurements are briefly described. We also illustrated the international aspect of the use of this technique by showing some of the countries having actively participated in this effort. As a conclusion we compared to what extent the experimental measurements agree with theoretical predictions.