Otto Maass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Otto Maass
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| Born | 8 July 1890 New York City, New York
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| Died | 3 July 1961 (aged 70) Montreal, Quebec
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| Alma mater | McGill University (B.A., M.Sc.) Harvard University (Ph.D.) |
| Awards | Henry Marshall Tory Medal (1945) Fellow of the Royal Society |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemistry |
| Institutions | McGill University |
Otto Maass (July 8, 1890 – July 3, 1961) was an important Canadian scientist and professor. He was known for his work in chemistry and his long career at McGill University.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Otto Maass was born in New York City, New York. He studied at McGill University in Canada. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of Science (M.Sc.) degrees there. Later, he continued his studies at Harvard University, where he received his Ph.D.
A Career in Chemistry
Maass began teaching at McGill University in 1923. He stayed there until he retired in 1955. During his time at McGill, he became the Macdonald Professor of Chemistry. He also led the chemistry department as its chairman from 1937 to 1955.
Scientific Discoveries
Otto Maass was a physical chemist. This field combines physics and chemistry to study how matter behaves. His research helped us understand many things.
- Heat Measurement: He worked on calorimetry, which is about measuring heat changes in chemical reactions.
- States of Matter: He studied how substances behave at their critical point. This is where liquids and gases become indistinguishable.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Maass researched how to make pure hydrogen peroxide and its properties.
- Cellulose: He also explored the properties of cellulose. Cellulose is a key part of plant cell walls.
- Wood Pulping: His work included studying the chemical pulping of wood. This process helps turn wood into paper.
Awards and Recognition
Otto Maass received many honors for his scientific contributions.
- In 1940, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very prestigious scientific award.
- He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1946. This award recognizes great service to the United Kingdom.
- In 1947, he became the director of a new research division. This division focused on biological and chemical research for defense.
- He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In 1945, this society gave him the Henry Marshall Tory Medal. This medal honors outstanding research in science.
Lasting Legacy
McGill University honored Otto Maass by naming a building after him. The Otto Maass Chemistry Building was built between 1964 and 1966. A plaque on the building remembers his excellent contributions to science.
