James Thomas Humberstone facts for kids

James Thomas Humberstone was an important English chemical engineer. He was born on July 8, 1850, and passed away on June 12, 1939. In 1872, he started a company called the Peru Nitrate Company. This company was in the Tarapacá Province of Peru, which is now part of Chile. Humberstone brought new ideas and methods, like the Shanks System, to the nitrate industry.

Early Life and Education

James Thomas Humberstone was born in Dover, England. His grandfather was a director of the Scottish Guard band. His father worked in a post office.

When James was young, his family moved to London. At 17, he started working for the London and North Western railway. There, he learned a lot about mechanics and chemistry. Later, he became a student at the Royal School of Mines in London. He was known as a very good student.

Career in South America

When Humberstone was 25, The Tarapaca Nitrate Company hired him. He moved to South America, arriving in the Peruvian port of Pisagua on January 6, 1875. He began working there as a chemist and engineer.

In 1878, he put the Shanks System into use. This system helped make sodium carbonate. He also made other improvements. For example, he found a way to reuse wastewater. This stopped valuable materials from being lost in the gravel.

Moving During Conflict

In 1879, the Chilean army landed in Pisagua. Many office workers, including Humberstone, his wife, his mother, and his two daughters, moved to the Pampa for safety.

When they reached Tarapaca, the governor told them to go to Arica because the military was approaching. They crossed the desert to avoid the coast. This journey took them twenty days to reach Arica.

Later Life and Recognition

After the war ended, Tarapaca became part of Chile. Humberstone continued his work at the Agua Santa office.

In 1936, King George VI of the United Kingdom honored him. He made Humberstone a member of the Order of the British Empire. James Thomas Humberstone died in Iquique on June 12, 1939. He is buried in the British Cemetery in Tiliviche, Chile.

See also

In Spanish: James Thomas Humberstone para niños