kids encyclopedia robot

Herbert McLeod facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Herbert McLeod
Born (1841-04-16)16 April 1841
Died 1 October or 3 October 1923(1923-10-03) (aged 82)
Alma mater Royal College of Chemistry
Known for invention of a McLeod gauge
Scientific career
Fields chemistry
Institutions Royal Indian Engineering College
McLeod gauge 01
A glass McLeod gauge, drained of mercury

Herbert McLeod (born in February 1841, died in October 1923) was an English chemist. He is famous for inventing two important tools: the McLeod gauge and a sunshine recorder. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a big honor for scientists.

About Herbert McLeod

Herbert McLeod was born in Stoke Newington, a part of London, England. While the exact date is a bit unclear, he was likely born in February 1841. He passed away in October 1923.

Early Life and Education

McLeod went to Stockwell Grammar School. In 1855, when he was about 14, he began studying chemistry in London. A year later, he joined the Royal College of Chemistry in London.

He worked as an assistant to a famous chemist named August Wilhelm von Hofmann starting in 1860. Later, he became an assistant to Edward Frankland. McLeod spent many years at the Royal College of Chemistry, learning and helping with experiments.

His Work and Inventions

In 1871, McLeod became a professor at the Royal Indian Engineering College. He stayed there until he retired in 1901. During his time at the college, he studied many different subjects, including weather, physics, and chemistry.

One of his most important inventions was the McLeod gauge. He published a paper about this new and clever tool in 1874. The McLeod gauge is used to measure very low pressures, like those found in a vacuum.

McLeod was also elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1881. This is a special membership for top scientists. From 1888, he helped proofread the Royal Society's big catalog of scientific papers. He continued this important work until 1915, when his health made it difficult to continue.

Family and Beliefs

Herbert McLeod was married to Amelia Woodley. They had five children together: three sons and two daughters.

He was also a member of the Chemical Society and the British Association for the Advancement of Science. McLeod was a very religious person and tried to show how science and his faith could go together.

kids search engine
Herbert McLeod Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.