Edward Solly (chemist) facts for kids

Edward Solly (born 1819, died 1886) was a smart English scientist who studied chemistry. He also loved old things and history, which is what an "antiquary" does!

Life of Edward Solly

Edward Solly was born in London on October 11, 1819. His father, also named Edward Solly, was a merchant and a collector of interesting items. Edward came from a family called "Nonconformists," which meant they were Protestants who didn't follow the official Church of England. His cousin, Thomas Solly, was a philosopher. Edward went to Berlin to study chemistry.

Early Career in Chemistry

In 1838, when he was 19, Edward Solly became a chemist for the Royal Asiatic Society. This society focused on Asian cultures and sciences. In the same year, he joined the Society of Arts, which promoted arts, manufacturing, and commerce.

In 1841, he started teaching chemistry at the famous Royal Institution. There, he worked with Michael Faraday, a very important scientist known for his work with electricity and magnetism. In 1842, Edward became an honorary member of the Royal Agricultural Society, which worked to improve farming.

Becoming a Fellow of the Royal Society

On January 19, 1843, Edward Solly was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a huge honor for scientists in the United Kingdom! In 1845, he became a chemistry professor at Addiscombe College.

Later Work and Contributions

In 1845 and 1846, Edward Solly was a professor for the Horticultural Society. He did experiments to see if electricity could help plants grow.

From 1849, he worked with the Gresham Life Assurance Society, a company that helped people plan for their future. He stayed on their board of directors until he passed away.

Edward Solly also helped organize the Great Exhibition of 1851. This was a huge event in London that showed off amazing inventions and art from around the world. He even served as a judge for the exhibits. From 1852 to 1853, he was the secretary for the Society of Arts.

Edward Solly passed away at his home in Sutton, Surrey, on April 2, 1886.

Edward Solly's Writings

Edward Solly started publishing his scientific work very young. In 1836, when he was just 17, he wrote a paper about how iodine conducts electricity.

He wrote many papers about the chemistry of plants and farming. He also wrote a book called Rural Chemistry in 1843, which was so popular it had a third edition by 1850. In 1849, he published a guide to his chemistry lectures.

Historical and Literary Work

Besides science, Edward Solly was also interested in history and old books. He wrote articles for magazines like Notes and Queries, The Bibliographer, and The Antiquary. In 1879, he edited a book called Hereditary Titles of Honour for the Index Society, where he was also the treasurer.

Legacy and Collections

Edward Solly had a very large library, especially full of books from the 1700s. After he died, his collection was sold at Sotheby's in London in November 1886. He also gave a painting called A Venetian Painter to the National Gallery, London.

Edward Solly's Family

Edward Solly married Alice Sarah Wayland on September 13, 1851. They had five daughters.