Robert Whytlaw-Gray facts for kids

Robert H. Whytlaw-Gray (June 14, 1877 – January 29, 1958) was an English chemist. He was born in London. He is famous for helping to find and study the gas radon.

Whytlaw-Gray worked as a professor of chemistry. He taught at the University of Leeds. He also received an award called the OBE. He was also made a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very important science group.

Early Life and Learning

Robert Whytlaw-Gray was born in Hampstead, London. This happened on June 14, 1877. His parents were Robert James Gray and Mary Gilkieson Gemmell Whytlaw.

He went to St Paul’s School when he was young. They did not teach much science there. When he was about 12, Robert set up his own lab at home. He taught himself a lot about chemistry.

University Studies

At 18, he went to the University of Glasgow. He planned to study engineering. There, he heard a lecture by a famous chemist, William Ramsay. This talk really inspired him.

Because of Ramsay, Robert decided to study chemistry. He went to University College London (UCL) in 1896. He studied very well there. In 1898, he won a special award for chemistry.

In 1903, he went to Germany. He joined a lab at the University of Bonn. He worked on how much nitrogen atoms weigh. He earned his PhD degree there in 1906.

Working as a Scientist

After his studies, Whytlaw-Gray returned to UCL. He became an Assistant Professor in 1908. He worked with William Ramsay. They studied the gas called niton, which is now known as radon. He left this job in 1914.

War Work

In 1915, he started teaching science. He worked at Eton College. Later, he became a science advisor. He helped the Chemical Warfare Committee during World War I.

He researched aerosols and toxic smokes. These studies were very helpful for the war effort. He continued this important work for many years.

Professor at Leeds

In 1923, he became a full professor. He was the Head of the Chemistry Department. This was at the University of Leeds. He worked there for 22 years.

When he retired, the university gave him a special title. He was called an Emeritus Professor. In 1950, they gave him an honorary science degree.

Awards and Recognition

Whytlaw-Gray received the OBE award in 1920. This was for his important work.

In 1928, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.

Family Life

Robert Whytlaw-Gray married Doris Fortescue Carr. They got married on July 22, 1911. They had two daughters. Their names were Philippa Mary and Alianore Doris.

Later Years

Robert Whytlaw-Gray passed away on January 21, 1958. He was 80 years old. He died in Welwyn Garden City. His wife, Doris, passed away a few years later in 1961.