Henry Horatio Dixon facts for kids

Henry Horatio Dixon (born May 19, 1869, died December 20, 1953) was an important plant biologist from Dublin, Ireland. He was a professor at Trinity College Dublin. He is best known for working with John Joly to create the cohesion-tension theory. This theory explains how water and minerals move up through plants.

Early Life and Education

Henry Horatio Dixon was born in Dublin. He was the youngest of seven sons. His father, George Dixon, made soap. Henry went to Rathmines School and then to Trinity College, Dublin. He also studied in Bonn, Germany, to further his knowledge.

Career and Discoveries

In 1894, Henry Dixon became an assistant professor of Botany at Trinity College Dublin. Later, he became a full professor. In 1906, he took charge of the Botanic Gardens. In 1910, he also became the director of the Herbarium, which is a collection of dried plants.

He worked closely with a physicist named John Joly. Together, they developed the cohesion-tension theory. This theory helps us understand how water travels from the roots of a plant all the way to its leaves. It's like a tiny elevator system inside the plant!

Family Life

In 1907, Henry Dixon married Dorothea Mary Franks. They had three sons together. One of his sons, Hal Dixon, also became a famous biochemist.

Awards and Recognition

Henry Dixon received many honors for his work. In 1908, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists. In 1937, he gave a special lecture called the Croonian Lecture for the Royal Society.

He also received the Boyle Medal from the Royal Dublin Society in 1916. In 1949, he was made an honorary fellow of Trinity College Dublin. His work greatly helped us understand how plants live and grow.