Samuel Sugden, 1892-1950

Abstract

Samuel Sugden was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, in 1892; he was the eldest son of a Samuel Sugden who was connected with wool trade journals. He gained his secondary education at Batley Grammar School, where apparently he developed a very definite interest in science though, so far as can be ascertained, this did not come from any family bias or tradition. He won a Royal Scholarship, offered by the Board of Education, which took him to the Royal College of Science in London in October 1912. He had already passed the Intermediate Examination, so he was able to take the Final one in July 1914. On the result, he was awarded the Associateship of the Royal College of Science in chemistry, with First-Class Honours, and also the Governor’s Prize for the best student in practical chemistry and the Frank Hatton Prize for proficiency in advanced chemistry. He showed himself to have not only outstanding ability but also very definite personality. He gave a memorable impression of energy and of extreme enthusiasm for the latest developments in science, not only by his liveliness in discussion but by his activity in doing such things as building wireless sets, a hobby which, in those days, was a most exciting form of pioneering.