Why Chemistry Is Called "The Central Science"

Chemistry is life...
Biology and Botany
All biological bodies are made up of chemical compounds. These compounds engage in chemical reactions that transport energy, and grow and divide through chemistry to enable reproduction, respiration, and more. Plants synthesize and use a huge variety of chemical compounds, many of which form the basis of medicine. The chemistry of animals and plants is central as well to any understanding of diet, nutrition, and health.

Geology, Geomorphology, and Archeology
Another field that is based on chemistry is geology. Rocks are made up of atoms, and the chemical composition of stone and soil determines hardness, erosion, and other physical qualities that shape the landscape. In geology, as well as archeology and many other fields, the gradual chemical changes that occur in radioactive elements enable carbon-dating techniques that have revolutionized our understanding of the past.

Medicine and Biochemistry

In the fields of medicine and biochemistry, chemistry plays a central role. Finely-balanced chemical reactions, such as hormone synthesis and similar processes, regulate the health of our bodies. Understanding and treating many health issues depends on a chemical understanding of what is occurring in the body. From bandages to mental health, from medications to blood plasma, chemistry is critical to medicine and biochemistry.

Astronomy
Modern astronomy would not be possible without a deep understanding of chemistry. That’s because much of our knowledge of the universe has only been gained through astronomical spectroscopy, which analyzes the spectrum of celestial objects and matches that spectrum with elements of the periodic table to determine their composition.

Engineering and Material Sciences

Of course, basic engineering and materials science is possible without chemistry. The same is true of all the other fields of study discussed here. But chemistry allows more complete understanding. That’s because every material is made up of atoms, and the properties of any material are determined by the interaction of those atoms. The fundamental chemistry of each element determines its strength, surface qualities, combustibility, and much more.

Physics
Chemistry and physics are interdependent, with neither field being completely understandable without the other. If there is any science that has a claim to being the central science other than chemistry, physics would be it.