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Among the numerous catalytic processes of industry, there is hardly one which has brought so much attention and profit to the study of catalysis as the ammonia synthesis. In a period of twenty years, it has advanced from a state of mere empiricism and fruitless speculation to one of scientific study and technical realization. This development has been described frequently in the past years.1 The introductory researches by Nernst and the fundamental work of Haber in conjunction with the Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik (now the 1. G. F.) led to the working out of practical, large-scale methods.In this paper, the development is to be treated from the chemical side, and particularly from the point of view of catalysis. For the catalyst is the heart of every catalytic reaction, without whose heartbeat the reaction must stop.2A method of investigation of ammonia catalysts, supported by conclusive experimental work, was first carried out by Nernst and by Haber. The work of Haber goes farther back in point of time, whereas, as far as the high pressure reaction is concerned, Nernst has precedence. In the first work done by Nernst and his associates with high pressure (1906-07) relatively inefficient catalysts were used; platinum foil, finely divided iron, and electrolytically deposited manganese being the only materials applicable.3Similarly, Haber started with weakly active catalysts-finely divided iron, calcium, manganese, chromium, and nickel occupying his attention during 1904-1907. Of course, Haber did not rest content with these, and * Delivered before the "Conference on Catalysis and the Mechanism of Chemical Reactions" at the Dedication of the New Chemical Laboratory, Princeton LTniversity,

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