James Bell (chemist) facts for kids

James Bell (1825–1908) was a smart chemist from Northern Ireland. He was famous for checking what was inside food, tobacco, and drinks. His work helped make sure people knew what they were eating and drinking.

Early Life and Education

James Bell was born in 1825 in a place called Altnanaghan, near Newtownhamilton in County Armagh. He studied at home with private teachers. Later, he went to University College London. There, he learned about chemistry from a famous professor named Alexander William Williamson.

In 1846, James Bell started working at the Inland Revenue Laboratory. This was a special lab set up by the government. Its job was to check tobacco products. This was important because of a law called the Tobacco Act 1842. He became a deputy boss in 1867 and then the main boss in 1874. He worked there until 1894.

Bell's Important Career Work

The lab where Bell worked started checking alcoholic drinks too. Later, a law about food and drugs was updated in 1875. This law was called the Food and Drugs Act 1872. If there was a disagreement about what was in food, James Bell was the expert who would help decide. He created special ways to test foods to make sure they followed the law.

From 1869 to 1894, Bell also worked as a special chemist for the government of India. His hard work was recognized in many ways. In 1884, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very important group for scientists. He also earned a special degree called a Ph.D. in 1882 from the University of Erlangen. In 1886, he received another special degree, a D.Sc., from the Royal University of Ireland.

In 1889, he was given an honor called C.B.. He was also part of a group that studied British and foreign spirits. From 1888 to 1891, he was the president of the Institute of Chemistry.

Published Works and Research

James Bell did a lot of research on how grapes and malt ferment. Fermenting is a process that helps make things like wine and beer. He wrote about his findings in a book called Excise Officers' Manual in 1865. He also shared his ideas in the Journal of the Chemical Society in 1870.

Many of his important discoveries were put into a book series. It was called The Analysis and Adulteration of Foods. This book came out in three parts between 1881 and 1883. It was even translated into German. He also wrote a book specifically about Chemistry of Tobacco in 1887.

Family Life

In 1858, James Bell married Ellen Reece. She was from Chester and sadly passed away in 1900. They had one son, who later became known as Sir William James Bell. His son was also involved in public service.

Later Years and Passing

James Bell passed away in Hove on March 31, 1908. He was buried in a place called Ewell.