Based on the generalization of experimental and theoretical studies in the field of catalysis, three basic laws of heterogeneous catalysis were discovered. From the formula of the catalysis rate law, the most important characteristics of catalysis are obtained - the reaction output, TOF and TON. Formulas for calculating the characteristics of catalysis using the characteristics of catalyst substance are given. A new concept of heterogeneous catalysis has been developed, in which the role of catalysts in the mechanism of accelerating chemical reactions has been revised. The oxidation states of the reactants and active sites of the catalyst are used as parameters in the formulas of the laws of catalysis. It follows from the laws of catalysis that oxidation states are such important characteristics of catalyst substance and reagents, that they directly affect the mechanism of catalysis itself and set the values of the most important characteristics of catalysis. As the main tool in the selection of catalysts, it is necessary to use the list of oxidation states of chemical elements known in chemistry. Based on the laws of catalysis, new definitions of catalyst and catalysis are given. The class of catalysts is expanded. Material catalysts are complemented by field catalysts. The substantiation of catalysis as a fundamental direction in science is given.