James Irvine (chemist)
| Sir James Irvine | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 9 May 1877 Glasgow |
| Died | 12 June 1952 (aged 75) |
| Resting place | St Andrews |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Fields | Organic chemistry |
| Institutions | University of St Andrews |
| Notable awards |
Davy Medal (1925) Willard Gibbs Award (1926) Elliott Cresson Medal (1929) |
Sir James Colquhoun Irvine KBE FRSFRSE FEIS (9 May 1877 – 12 June 1952) was a Scottish organic chemist and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews from 1921 until his death. As a research chemist, Irvine worked on the application of methylation techniques to carbohydrates, and isolated the first methylated sugars, trimethyl and tetramethyl glucose.
Irvine was born in Glasgow to factory-owner John Irvine (a manufacturer of light-castings) and Mary Paton Colquhoun. He was educated at Allan Glen's School.
He then studied at the Royal Technical College, Glasgow, before taking a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of St Andrews. From there, he went to the University of Leipzig, where he studied for a Ph.D. under Ostwald and Wislicenus. Returning to St Andrews, he was awarded a Doctor of Science degree, and taught Chemistry there. He was appointed Professor of Chemistry in 1909 and Dean of Science in 1912. In 1921, he was appointed Principal. His tenure saw the renovation and restoration of both buildings and traditions, and his works are still talked of today. His commitments spanned further than the University, into higher education in Britain and the colonies. He also served as acting Principal of University College Dundee.
...
Wikipedia