J. Lawrence Smith facts for kids
J. Lawrence Smith is the name of more than one notable person in American history. When different people share the same name, an encyclopedia uses a special guide page to help readers find the right person.
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Famous People Named J. Lawrence Smith
Two well-known Americans carried this name during the nineteenth century. Each person became famous for very different talents and careers.
The Scientist Who Studied Space Rocks
One notable man was J. Lawrence Smith (chemist), an American scientist born in 1818. He was both a chemist and a mineralogist, which means he investigated chemicals and the minerals found in rocks.
He loved studying meteorites, which are rocks that fall to Earth from outer space. He collected many rare space rocks to discover what they were made of. In his chemistry laboratory, he even invented an improved laboratory burner and created new techniques to test minerals. Because of his amazing scientific work, a prestigious award called the J. Lawrence Smith Medal was created to honor scientists who study meteoric bodies.
The Lawyer and Judge
Another famous man was J. Lawrence Smith (New York politician), who lived during the 1800s in New York. Instead of working in a science laboratory, he studied the law.
He worked as a skilled lawyer, a judge, and a political leader. Judges listen to legal cases and help ensure that rules are followed fairly. In government, he helped make important decisions for his local community and state. He served his home region of Long Island, New York, for many years.
See also
- Lawrence Smith (disambiguation)
- John Smith (disambiguation)
