The Chemistry Department at Imperial College London: A History, 1845-2000.

Abstract

The Chemistry Department at Imperial College London: A History, 1845-2000 HANNAH GAY & WILLIAM P. GRIFFITH World Scientific 2017 ISBN 9781783269730; xii + 569pp; 45.00 [pounds sterling] The internationally acknowledged status of Imperial College London (known generally as ICL or even 'IC'), and particularly of its Chemistry Department, warrants an account of its emergence as a world-class centre of chemistry research and teaching. This monumental history, designed to meet such a need, comprises 11 chapters and four appendices. A vast amount of material is covered and, to facilitate this, each chapter concludes with a copious set of 'End Notes' which provide a mass of supplementary addenda to amplify the main thrust of the chapter concerned. Each chapter is intended to reflect what are seen as distinct eras in the IC story, thus Chapters 1 and 2 cover an Introduction and the founding of the precursor Royal College of Chemistry, which was absorbed into the Royal School of Mines (RSM) and finally into the Royal College of Science (RCS), resulting in its permanent location in South Kensington. The granting of university status to IC as an independent body as distinct from its long incorporation within the University of London, came after the timeframe of the History. This early period (1845-1885) was marked by the inspirational leadership of the renowned A. W. Hoffman who was followed by Edward Frankland, and Chapter 3 gives an account of the research and teaching milieu prevalent in this period. Notable students included William Crookes and W. H. Perkin of Tyrian Purple fame. Chapter 4 moves into the period 1885-1914 which saw in 1907 the formation of the Imperial College of Science and Technology from the RCS, RSM and City and Guilds Technical College under the leadership of W. A. Tilden. Inevitably, IC Chemistry was drawn into the First World War (Chapter 5), the first conflict to involve many aspects of chemistry. The HoD at this time was Herbert Brereton Baker who led the Department at a difficult time when chemical weapons were being deployed in warfare. IC staff were involved in analysis of gases utilised against British troops on the Western Front and in the development of gas masks able to resist chlorine, phosgene and other gases. This chapter in particular is rich in anecdotal material as is the accompanying end notes. IC had a major recovery task after the end of WW1 owing to the heavy loss of student income but IC Chemistry rallied under Baker who initiated the construction of the first hostel accommodation. Notable in this 'Between the Wars' period (Chapter 6) was the inception of large-scale equipment designed to prepare students for careers in chemical industry, this under the leadership of Christopher Ingold; an amusing account is also given of the financial challenges faced by students in respect of food and laboratory clothing. Other far-reaching developments included the division of the Department into inorganic, organic and physical sections, each with its own professor, and an account is given of the activities of each of these new entities. Also significant were the introductions of MSc and PhD degrees. IC Chemistry in the person of Christopher Ingold played a pivotal role in the application of electronic theories to organic reaction mechanisms, and we read an even-handed account of the famous dispute with Robert Robinson concerning precedence in the promulgation of this type of approach which changed the nature of organic chemistry. WW2 saw another era in the life of IC Chemistry (Chapter 7). A lively account is given of the involvement of IC Chemistry staff in the war effort both scientifically and as regards daily life (taping windows, bomb shelters, safety routines, etc.). Henry Tizard as Rector of IC held a highly important role in WW2, e.g. in heading the Tizard Mission to the USA to share information on radar and the jet engine. …