Abstract
PROF. I. M. HEILBRON, whose appointment to the chair of organic chemistry in the University of London (Imperial College) has just been announced, is a man of many activities, that of a research director and teacher of organic chemistry being exceptionally prominent. Prior to the Great War, he held a lieutenancy in the A.S.C., 52nd Division, and proceeded to G.H.Q., Salonika in 1917. He was promoted lieutenant-colonel and assistant director of supplies, G.H.O., Salonika in 1918, and was given the D.S.O. and mentioned three times in despatches. It is, however, as a research chemist rather than as a soldier that he will be best recognized. His field, for many years past, has been in the sterol group and in matters generally relating to calciferol and the group which contains the important vitamin D ; he has instituted a series of experiments on the synthesis of vitamin A and has progressed definitely towards a successful conclusion of this problem. He has also covered a wide field in other directions, particularly in connexion with the Algæ and carotenoid pigments. Since 1933, he has been able to give full scope to his genius and has made many important discoveries by the help of the large research school which he has gathered together. He was lecturer in the Royal Technical College, Glasgow, from 1919 until 1920 ; Heath Harrison professor of organic chemistry in the University of Liverpool in 1922-33, and thereafter professor of organic chemistry in the University of Manchester, succeeding Prof. A. Lapworth in the Sir Samuel Hoare chair in 1935.
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Prof. I. M. Heilbron, F.R.S. Nature 141, 504 (1938). https://doi.org/10.1038/141504a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/141504a0