Thomas Percy Hilditch facts for kids
Thomas Percy Hilditch (born April 22, 1886 – died August 9, 1965) was an important English chemist. He studied how to make new chemicals (called organic synthesis), the science of fats and oils (lipid chemistry), and special ways to produce things using catalysts. He also taught as a professor of industrial chemistry at the University of Liverpool.
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Early Life and Education
Thomas Percy Hilditch was born in North Islington, England. His parents were Thomas and Priscilla Hilditch. He went to Owen's School, where his science teachers, F.R. Guglielmo and A.E. Dunstan, inspired him to love science.
After school, he went to University College London to study chemistry. He learned from famous chemists like William Ramsay and J. Norman Collie. He finished his first degree in 1907.
Advanced Studies and Research
Hilditch continued his studies abroad. He worked at the University of Jena in Germany from 1908 to 1909 with Ludwig Knorr. Then, he went to the University of Geneva in Switzerland from 1910 to 1911, working with P.A. Guye.
He returned to London and earned his D.Sc. degree in 1911. This showed he was a very advanced scientist.
A Career in Chemistry
During World War I, Hilditch used his chemistry skills to help his country. He worked with a company called Joseph Crosfield and Sons. They focused on making acetone, which was important for the war effort.
In 1925, he became a professor of Industrial Chemistry at the University of Liverpool. He taught students and continued his research there.
Awards and Recognition
Thomas Percy Hilditch received many honors for his important work.
- In 1942, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK.
- He was also made an OBE in 1952. This award recognizes important contributions to the country.
- In 1962, he received the Lampitt Medal from The Society of Chemical Industry.
Important Books by Hilditch
Thomas Percy Hilditch wrote several important books about chemistry. These books helped teach others about his research and the field of chemistry.
- A Concise History of Chemistry (published in 1911 and 1922)
- A First Year Physical Chemistry (published in 1912)
- A Third Year Course in Organic Chemistry (published in 1914)
- The Industrial Chemistry of the Fats and Waxes (published in 1927)
- The Chemical Composition of Natural Fats (published in 1940)
