Sydney Young (chemist) facts for kids

Sydney Young (born December 29, 1857 – died April 9, 1937) was an important English chemist. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society, which is a very respected group of scientists. Young spent his life studying chemicals and teaching others about them.

Early Life and Education

Sydney Young was born in Farnworth, a town near Widnes in Lancashire, England. His father, Edward Young, was a merchant from Liverpool. Sydney went to a private school in Southport and later to the Liverpool Royal Institution school.

After working with his father for two years, Young decided to study chemistry. In 1877, he joined Owens College in Manchester. He earned his first science degree (B.Sc.) in 1880. Three years later, in 1883, he earned his advanced science degree (D.Sc.). He completed this while working with another famous chemist, William Ramsay, at University College, Bristol. During this time, he also helped start the Chemical Society in 1880, a group for chemists.

A Career in Chemistry

In 1882, Sydney Young became a lecturer and demonstrator of chemistry at University College, Bristol, working under William Ramsay. When Ramsay moved to University Collect London, Young took over his role and became the Professor of Chemistry.

Young continued his teaching career. In 1904, he became the Professor of Chemistry at Trinity College, Dublin in Ireland. He taught there for many years, finally retiring from his position in 1928.

Achievements and Recognition

Sydney Young was recognized for his important work in chemistry. In 1893, he was chosen to become a Fellow of the Royal Society. This honor is given to scientists who have made major discoveries and contributions.

His application to the Royal Society mentioned his many scientific papers. These papers covered topics in both organic (carbon-based) and inorganic (non-carbon) chemistry. They also explored the connections between physics and chemistry. Some of his research looked at things like:

• Different types of chemical compounds, such as 'Alkyl Fluorides'.
• How the pressure and volume of vapors (gases) relate to the Periodic Law.
• New ways to measure the specific volumes of liquids and vapors.
• The molecular volumes of vapors from chemicals like benzene.

Young also worked with others on many studies about how liquids behave when heated.

Besides the Royal Society, Young was also a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. This is another important group for scientists and scholars in Ireland. He even served as their president from 1921 to 1926.

Family Life

Sydney Young married Grace Martha Kimmins. They had twin sons together. Sadly, one of their sons died during the First World War. Their other son, Charles Edgar Young, later became the headmaster of Rossall School.