James Sheridan Muspratt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Sheridan Muspratt
|
|
|---|---|
U.S. National Library of Medicine
|
|
| Born | 8 March 1821 Dublin
|
| Died | 3 February 1871 (aged 49) |
| Alma mater | University College London |
| Known for | Chemistry, Theoretical, Practical and Analytical as applied and relating to the Arts and Manufactures |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Webb Cushman (1848–1859; her death); 3 children Ann Neal (1860–1871; his death) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Research chemist |
| Influences | Thomas Graham; Justus von Liebig |
Dr. James Sheridan Muspratt (born March 8, 1821 – died February 3, 1871) was an important research chemist and teacher from Ireland. He was a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) and the Royal Society of Dublin (FRSD). He is best known for his big two-volume book called Chemistry, Theoretical, Practical and Analytical as applied and relating to the Arts and Manufactures. This book was published between 1857 and 1860.
A Chemist's Journey
James Sheridan Muspratt was born in Dublin, Ireland. When he was just one year old, his family moved to Liverpool, England. His father, James Muspratt, was a very successful industrial chemist. He ran one of the biggest chemical manufacturing businesses in the UK during the 1800s.
Young James went to private schools in Bootle, Merseyside. He also traveled around Europe with his tutors, learning a lot. In 1836, he began studying chemistry under a famous chemist named Thomas Graham. He studied with Graham at Anderson's University in Glasgow. Later, he moved with Graham to University College London.
In 1841, his father sent him to Philadelphia to help manage the family's business. However, this business venture was not very successful.
Studying in Germany
Muspratt's father had become friends with Justus von Liebig, another well-known chemist. So, James Sheridan was sent to work with von Liebig at the University of Giessen in Germany. There, he earned his PhD in 1845.
James Sheridan Muspratt also did his own important research. For example, he wrote a report about sulphites in 1845. He also worked with August Wilhelm von Hofmann to prepare chemicals called toluidine and nitraniline between 1845 and 1846.
Liverpool College of Chemistry
In 1848, Muspratt started the Liverpool College of Chemistry. He set it up in an old stable behind his house in Canning Street, Liverpool.
When his father retired in 1857, James Sheridan became a partner in the family's chemical manufacturing business. He worked alongside his brothers.
It was also in the late 1850s that he wrote his important textbook. It was called Chemistry, Theoretical, Practical and Analytical as applied and relating to the Arts and Manufactures. A German version of this book, translated by Friedrich Stohmann, was very popular in Germany. At that time, Germany was a leader in chemistry. Muspratt also translated some German chemistry writings into English.
Family Life
Muspratt enjoyed theatre and helped organize a visit to Liverpool by Charles Dickens's amateur acting group in 1847. An American actress named Susan Webb Cushman was part of the cast.
Muspratt married Susan in 1848. They had three daughters together. Sadly, Susan passed away in 1859. The next year, Muspratt married Ann Neal from Rainhill. They did not have any children. James Sheridan Muspratt died at his home in West Derby, Liverpool, in 1871.
