Alexander Scott (chemist) facts for kids
Dr Alexander Scott (28 December 1853 – 10 March 1947) was an important Scottish chemist. He worked as the Director of Scientific Research at the British Museum. He was also the President of the Chemical Society from 1915 to 1917. Dr. Scott was known for figuring out the atomic weights of several elements. These included potassium (1879), sodium (1879), manganese (1881), carbon (1897), tellurium (1902), and nitrogen (1905).
His Life and Work
Alexander Scott was born in Selkirk, Scotland, on 28 December 1853. He was the oldest of eight children. His father, also named Alexander Scott, was the head teacher at Selkirk Academy.
In 1868, Alexander began studying science at the University of Edinburgh. He learned from famous scientists like Fleeming Jenkin, James Dewar, and Alexander Crum Brown. He helped James Dewar with his lessons at the Dick Vet College from 1872 to 1875. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science (BSc), in 1876.
He then continued his studies at the University of Cambridge. He received a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in 1879 and a Master of Arts (MA) in 1882. In 1884, he earned his highest degree, a Doctor of Science (DSc), back at the University of Edinburgh. After finishing his studies, he became a Science Master at Durham Secondary School in Durham.
In 1885, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a group of top scientists in Scotland. In 1898, he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society of London, which is a very old and respected scientific group in the UK.
In 1891, he moved from Durham to work at the University of Cambridge. There, he was a Demonstrator in Chemistry, helping students with experiments. In 1896, he joined the Royal Institution in London as a researcher. From 1911 to 1919, he worked on his own research projects.
His most important job began in 1919. He became the Director of Scientific Research at the British Museum. This was one of the most important science jobs in the world. His first big task was to study how objects in the museum were getting damaged. Many items had been stored in damp places during the war. He started a special Research Laboratory inside the Museum. In 1924, he hired Dr Harold Plenderleith to help him.
Dr. Scott retired in 1938. He passed away in Ringwood, Hampshire on 10 March 1947.
Artistic Recognition
A painting of Dr. Alexander Scott by H. A. Olivier is kept at the British Museum.
Family
In 1906, Alexander Scott married Agnes Mary Russell. Her father was Dr William James Russell, who was also a Fellow of the Royal Society. Alexander and Agnes did not have any children.
