Alexander Killen Macbeth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alexander Killen Macbeth
CMG DSc FAA
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 11 August 1889 Drumbuoy, Strabane
|
| Died | 29 May 1957 (aged 67) |
| Resting place | Centennial Park Cemetery, Pasadena, South Australia |
| Education | Queen’s University Belfast University College London, |
| Alma mater | University College London |
| Spouse(s) | Edyth Helenea Patricia Macafee |
| Children | Patricia Maeve Anna Maureen Moya H.M. William A.G. |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | University of St Andrews Durham University |
| Notable students | James Robert Price |
Alexander Killen Macbeth was an important chemist who made a big difference in science and education. He was born in Ireland on August 11, 1889. He is remembered for his work as a professor and for helping to build a strong chemistry department in Australia.
Contents
Alexander Killen Macbeth: A Chemist's Story
His Early Life and Studies
Alexander Killen Macbeth was born in Drumbuoy, Strabane, Ireland. His father, William, was a butcher. Alexander was the second son in his family.
He went to Queen’s University Belfast for his education. Later, he studied at University College London. He was a special scholar there, earning an "1851 Exhibition Scholar" award.
After his studies, he returned to Belfast. In 1919, he became a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at the University of St Andrews. From 1924 to 1928, he worked as a Reader in Chemistry at Durham University.
Moving to Australia
On January 13, 1928, Macbeth, his wife, and their two daughters sailed from London to Adelaide, Australia. He took on a new and important job there. He became the Angas Chair of Chemistry at the University of Adelaide. This was a top teaching position.
He held this role until he retired in 1954. After retiring, he was given the title of Professor Emeritus. This means he was honored for his long and excellent service.
Building a Strong Chemistry Department
Macbeth's time as the head of chemistry in Adelaide was challenging. It included a period of economic difficulty and World War II. Despite these challenges, he worked hard to create a successful department.
He started with very little equipment, described as "one Liebig condenser and a few flasks." His dedication led to the opening of a brand new chemistry school in 1933. This was a major achievement for the university.
In 1946, he received a special award called the CMG (Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George). This was for his important contributions to the University of Adelaide and to industry during the war. In 1955, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. This is a high honor for scientists in Australia.
His Family and Later Life
Alexander Killen Macbeth married Edyth Helenea Patricia Macafee in Ireland in 1921. They had four children together. Their names were Patricia Maeve, Anna Maureen, Moya H.M., and William A.G. Moya and William were born after the family moved to Australia.
Alexander Killen Macbeth, often known as Killen Macbeth, passed away on May 29, 1957, in Adelaide. He was buried at Centennial Park Cemetery in Pasadena, South Australia. His wife, Edyth, died later in 1986 and was buried with him.
