Ernst Cohen

Ernst Cohen was a prominent Dutch chemist who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of allotropy of metals. His academic journey was shaped by renowned chemists, including Svante Arrhenius, Henri Moissan, and Jacobus van't Hoff, under whom he studied in Stockholm, Paris, and Amsterdam, respectively. Cohen's association with Van't Hoff led to him becoming his assistant in 1893, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration.

Cohen's research spanned multiple areas, including polymorphism, photographic chemistry, electrochemistry, and piezochemistry. He was also interested in the history of science, demonstrating his breadth of knowledge and intellectual curiosity. Throughout his career, Cohen maintained a strong focus on the allotropy of tin, a topic that remained a constant theme in his work. His prolific output included over 400 papers and numerous books, cementing his position as a leading figure in the field of chemistry. Cohen held the position of professor of Physical Chemistry at the University of Utrecht from 1902 until his retirement in 1939, leaving a lasting legacy in the scientific community.