James William McBain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James William McBain
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| Born | March 22, 1882 Chatham, New Brunswick
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| Died | March 12, 1953 (aged 70) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | University of Toronto Heidelberg University |
| Known for | Colloidal chemistry |
| Awards | Davy Medal (1939) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemistry |
| Institutions | Stanford University Bristol University |
| Thesis | Zur Kenntnis der Katalyse in heterogenen Systemen: die Zersetzung des chromochlorürs mit kolloidem Platin (1909) |
| Doctoral advisor | Georg Hermann Quincke |
| Doctoral students | Jerome Vinograd |
James William McBain (March 22, 1882 – March 12, 1953) was an important Canadian chemist. He is best known for his early work on tiny structures called micelles.
Early Life and Education
James McBain was born in Chatham, New Brunswick, Canada. He studied at the University of Toronto, where he earned a Master of Arts degree. Later, he went to Heidelberg University in Germany. There, he received a Doctor of Science degree.
Discovering Micelles
McBain did very important research at the University of Bristol in England. He was one of the first scientists to study micelles. Micelles are tiny clusters of molecules that form in liquids. Think of them like tiny, invisible soap bubbles in water.
As early as 1913, he suggested that "colloidal ions" existed. These are now known as micelles. He used this idea to explain why certain soap-like solutions could conduct electricity well.
Awards and Recognition
McBain's work was highly respected. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in May 1923. This is a very high honor for scientists in the United Kingdom. In 1939, he won the Davy Medal. This medal is given by the Royal Society for important discoveries in chemistry.
