Robert Angus Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Angus Smith
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| Born | 15 February 1817 |
| Died | 12 May 1884 (aged 67) |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Occupation | chemist |
| Employer | Royal Manchester Institution |
Robert Angus Smith (born February 15, 1817 – died May 12, 1884) was a Scottish chemist. He studied many environmental issues. He is famous for his work on air pollution in 1852. During this research, he found what we now call acid rain. Some people even call him the 'Father of Acid Rain'.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Angus Smith was born in Pollokshaws, a part of Glasgow, Scotland. He first went to the University of Glasgow. He planned to become a minister in the Church of Scotland. However, he left before finishing his degree.
Later, he worked as a private teacher. In 1839, he traveled with a family to Gießen, Germany. He decided to stay there to study chemistry. He learned from a famous chemist named Justus von Liebig. Smith earned his PhD, which is a high university degree, in 1841.
Discovering Acid Rain
When Smith returned to England, he thought about becoming a minister again. But he chose to work in chemistry instead. He moved to Manchester and joined a chemistry lab. This city was very industrial, so it had many environmental problems.
Smith became very interested in these issues. He studied the air and rain. In 1872, he published a book called Air and Rain: The Beginnings of a Chemical Climatology. This book shared his findings about the chemicals in the air and rain.
His most important discovery was acid rain in 1852. He found it in cities in northern Britain. This acid rain was caused by burning coal. Coal often contains a lot of sulfur, which pollutes the air.
Work as an Inspector
Smith worked as an independent analytical chemist. This meant he tested chemicals for others. He refused to work as an "expert witness" in court cases. He felt this work could be dishonest.
Because he was so honest, he was chosen for an important job. In 1863, the Alkali Act 1863 created the Alkali Inspectorate. This group checked factories to stop pollution. Smith became Queen Victoria's Inspector of Alkali Works. He was one of the first government scientists. He kept this job until he died.
Awards and Legacy
In 1857, Robert Angus Smith was made a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists. In 1884, he also became an honorary member of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.
After he passed away, his large collection of about 4,000 books was given to Owens College in Manchester. These books are now kept at the John Rylands University Library. His work helped us understand how pollution affects our environment.
Images for kids
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A Royal Society of Chemistry Blue plaque in Manchester. It marks the spot of Smith's laboratory.
