About
British chemist and entrepreneur most known for his discovery of the first commercial synthetic organic dye, which is called mauveine. His work would end up being very important in the field of fashion especially. He was particularly active during a time that England was in the midst of the Industrial Revolution.
Before Fame
He began studying chemistry at the age of 15 at the Royal College of Chemistry, which is now part of Imperial College London.
Trivia
His discovery of mauveine was actually accidental. What he initially set out to accomplish was to synthesize quinine, a compound used to treat malaria. For his contributions to science and society, he was awarded a handful of prestigious medals and honors, such as the Royal Medal and the Longstaff Prize.
Family Life
He was the youngest of 7 children. He married his wife Jemima in 1859, and they would go on to have two sons.
Associated With
He was baptized in the same church as James Cook and John Wesley.
