George Finch (chemist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Finch
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| Born |
George Ingle Finch
4 August 1888 Orange, New South Wales, Australia
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| Died | 22 November 1970 (aged 82) England
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| Alma mater | University of Geneva |
| Known for | British Mount Everest Expedition 1922 |
| Awards | Fellow of the Royal Society Hughes Medal (1944) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemical physics Electrochemistry |
| Institutions | Imperial College London |
George Ingle Finch MBE FRS (born August 4, 1888 – died November 22, 1970) was an Australian scientist and a very skilled mountain climber. Many people thought he was one of the best climbers of his time.
Early Life and Military Service
George Finch was born in Orange, New South Wales, Australia. His parents were British. He grew up and went to school in German-speaking Switzerland. Later, he studied science at the University of Geneva. He also started studying medicine in Paris. While there, he even climbed the walls of the famous Notre Dame cathedral with his brother! But he soon decided he liked physical sciences more.
During the First World War, George Finch served in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. This was a part of the British Army. He was recognized for his service during the war in France, Egypt, and Salonika. In the Second World War, he helped research ways to protect against fires.
Amazing Career and Achievements
George Finch was a key member of the second British expedition to Mount Everest in 1922. On May 27, 1922, he and Captain Geoffrey Bruce reached a very high point on the mountain. They climbed to about 8,321 meters (27,300 feet) on the North Face. This was a huge achievement at the time!
Finch was a pioneer in using oxygen for climbing. He strongly believed that oxygen would help climbers reach higher altitudes safely. His work was very important for future Everest expeditions.
He was also a great climber in the Alps. In 1923, he made the first climb of a difficult route on the Dent d'Hérens mountain. This route is now known as the "Finch Route." George Finch loved skiing too. He helped start the Alpine Ski Club in 1908. He was a strong supporter of the Alpine Club and later became its president.
From 1936 to 1952, Finch worked as a professor at Imperial College London. He taught about applied physical chemistry.
In 1938, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists. He was recognized for his knowledge of chemical physics and electrochemistry. He also did important research on how surfaces behave electrically and how things ignite. He was also very good at designing scientific instruments.
Finch received the Hughes Medal in 1944 for his scientific work. He was also the president of the Physical Society from 1947 to 1949.
Family Life
George Finch had a family. He was married to Agnes Johnston, whom he called "Bubbles." They were married for a long time and had three daughters: Joyce Nanette, Paola Jean, and Felice George.
