Henry Stanley Raper, 1882 - 1951

Abstract

To chemists, biochemists and physiologists, H. S. Raper is known for his pioneer work on the metabolism of fat and the formation of melanin, and to them, and his intimate friends, his sudden death has left a gap which will endure. In his later years, and with the development of his career, the management of academic affairs robbed him of the time which he would have preferred to have given to the laboratory. As a recompense, however, the circle of his friendships and acquaintances extended, and he became widely known and revered and greatly esteemed for his gentle, kindly nature, the wisdom of his judgment, and the careful, considered soundness of his counsel and advice, which he willingly gave to the individual and to the wider gathering of his colleagues who sat with him on committees, or joined with him in his endeavours for the medical school, and the university, he loved and served so long and so well. Family and early history Henry Stanley Raper was born on 5 March 1882, in Bradford, in Yorkshire. There were, in all, nine children in the family, of whom seven survived —two daughters and five sons. Henry Stanley was the eighth child and the youngest son. He was survived by one brother and one sister. He was the son of James Rhodes Raper and Sarah Ann Tankard. J. R. Raper was a well-known and much-revered figure in the business life of the West Riding of Yorkshire. He was first cashier, and later, he and his elder sons came to manage, and then to own, a large business house in the West Riding. When J. R. Raper retired he went to live in Grassington in the upper reaches of his beloved Wharfedale, and became an authority on the flora of the district. Here in Wharfedale, for many years, the Raper boys spent much time and came to know the adjoining moors and dales. The youngest son, Henry Stanley, although the only one of this large family to make as his calling the pursuit of natural knowledge and research, was very like physically, and had many of the characteristics of, his much esteemed and beloved father.