Harold Baily Dixon facts for kids

Harold Baily Dixon (1852–1930) was a British chemist. He was also a talented footballer. He even played for Oxford University in the 1873 FA Cup Final.

Early Life and Education

Harold Baily Dixon was born in Marylebone, London, England. He went to Westminster School from 1865 to 1871. After that, he studied at Christ Church, part of the Oxford University. He studied under a scientist named Vernon Harcourt. Harold finished his studies with top honors in Natural Science in 1875.

A Career in Science

Harold Dixon became a lecturer at Trinity College, Oxford, from 1879 to 1886. He also taught at Balliol College during this time. In 1886, he became a fellow there.

He helped women attend physics lectures when the first women's colleges opened in 1879. This was a big step forward for women in science.

Professor and Expert

From 1886 to 1922, Dixon was a Professor of Chemistry at Owen's College, in Manchester. He also led several important committees. For example, he was chairman of the Royal Technical College in Salford, Lancashire.

Dixon was an expert on mine explosions. Governments often asked for his help. He worked on special committees that studied why coal dust exploded in mines. He also advised on coal supply and mine safety.

Awards and Recognition

In 1886, Dixon became a member of the Royal Society. This is a very important group for scientists. He also gave a special lecture called the Bakerian Lecture in 1893. He was the president of the Chemical Society from 1909 to 1911.

In 1913, he received the Royal Medal from the Royal Society. This award was for his excellent work in physical chemistry, especially his research on explosions in gases.

During the First World War, Dixon helped with high explosives in the Manchester area. For his service, he received the Commander of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) award in 1918.

Even after retiring, he continued his research. In 1922, he became an Honorary Professor at Manchester University. He supervised research on how gases ignite for the Safety in Mines Research Board in 1927.

Harold Baily Dixon passed away in Lytham, Lancashire, on September 18, 1930, at the age of 78.

Football Star

Harold Dixon was a talented footballer. He played as a forward for Westminster School. When he went to Oxford University, he helped start the Oxford University Amateur Football Club in 1871.

He played in the second-ever FA Cup competition. His team, Oxford University, reached the final in 1873. They played against Wanderers and lost 2–0. He later played for the Wanderers team and for Middlesex county.

Other Sports and Hobbies

Dixon was also a good cricketer. He played for his school's team and was even captain in his last year.

He loved mountaineering and explored mountains in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. He was a member of several climbing clubs, including the British Alpine Club.

Sports Honours

Oxford University A.F.C.

• 1873 F.A. Cup Final (runner-up).