Charles Harington (chemist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Robert Harington
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| Born | 1 August 1897 Llanerfyl, Wales
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| Died | 4 February 1972 (aged 74) Mill Hill, London, England
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| Known for | Synthesising thyroxine |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemistry |
Sir Charles Robert Harington (born August 1, 1897 – died February 4, 1972) was a brilliant chemist. He is most famous for creating a very important chemical called thyroxine in his lab. This was a huge step forward in medicine!
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Harington was born in Llanerfyl, a town in north Wales. He grew up there and later went to Malvern College for his schooling. After that, he studied at Cambridge University, where he earned his master's degree in 1919.
Starting His Chemistry Career
From 1920 to 1922, Charles worked as a research assistant. He was part of the team at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. In 1922, he earned his PhD from the University of Edinburgh. A PhD is a very high university degree.
After his PhD, he moved to University College, London. There, he became a lecturer in Chemical Pathology. This field combines chemistry with the study of diseases.
Key Achievements in Chemistry
Charles Harington made a major discovery in 1926. He was the first person to successfully create thyroxine in a laboratory. Thyroxine is a hormone that our bodies naturally produce. It is very important for our growth and metabolism.
His work meant that scientists could now study thyroxine more easily. It also helped doctors treat people who had problems with their thyroid gland. This gland makes thyroxine in the body.
Leading Research Institutions
Charles Harington became a professor at University College London in 1931. He taught chemical pathology there until 1942. In 1931, he was also chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom.
From 1942 to 1962, he was the director of the National Institute for Medical Research. This institute is a top place for medical research in the UK. He led many important studies during his time there.
Honors and Recognition
For his amazing work, Charles Harington received special honors. He was made a Knight in 1948. This meant he could use the title "Sir" before his name. In 1962, he was also given another high honor, the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE).
Family Life
In 1923, Charles Harington married Jessie McCririe Craig. They had a happy family together. They had one son and two daughters.
Charles Harington passed away at his home in Mill Hill, London, on February 4, 1972. His work in chemistry, especially with thyroxine, left a lasting impact on medicine.
