Catalysis

Catalysis (Gr., 'dissolution') is a term applied in Chemical Physics to a force supposed to be exerted by one substance upon a second, whereby the latter is subjected to change or decomposition, whilst the former, or acting substance, remains comparatively unaltered, and does not combine with it. The force, indeed, has been ascribed to the mere 'action of contact.' Fermentation is an example of this force (see BEER), when one part of yeast acting upon the sugar of the sweet worts, without entering into combination with it, compels 100 parts of sugar to pass into alcohol and carbonic acid. So also, when platinum or gold are brought in contact with peroxide of hydrogen, the latter is decomposed, while the metal remains unchanged. No plausible theory has been brought forward to account for these changes, or to define what the force of catalysis is.