The Institute of Chemistry of Great Britain and Ireland...History of the institute: 1877-1914 / comp. by direction of the Council of the Institue, by Richard B. Pilcher...secretary.

  • Royal Institute of Chemistry
Date:
1914
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The Institute of Chemistry of Great Britain and Ireland...History of the institute: 1877-1914 / comp. by direction of the Council of the Institue, by Richard B. Pilcher...secretary. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    to cariying out a scheme for establisliing an organisation of professional chemists, witJi the ]irovisional title of “ The Institute of Professional Chemists of Great Britain and Ireland subsequently changed to “ The Institute of Chemistry of Great Britain and Ireland.” Counsel’s opinion having been taken witli reference to the powers of the Chemical Society under its Royal Charter, it was found that any such alteration was undesirable.” It was decided, therefore, to form a new association independent of the Chemical Society, and for this purpose a Committee was appointed ” to settle the form and details of the scheme, and to take all steps necessary to secure the formation and incorporation of the proposed new association.” At a meeting of tins Committee held on February 24th, 1877, Prof. Edward Frankland in the Chaii, the report of a Sub-Committee was read, giving the ” Draft Scheme ” for the ” Organisation of Professional Chemists.” This, with slight modification, was unanimously adopted, and forty-eight gentlemen were elected as the first Fellows of the Institute. The first officers and Council were also elected. Prof. Frank- land being asked to undertake the office of President, aud Dr. C. R. Alder \\h'ight that of Honorary Treasurer. The aim of the Founders—the maintenance of the status and efficiency of the profession of chemistiy—has been con- sistently and steadfastly pursued by those on whom the dut}^ of directing the affairs of the Institute has devolved. Each President in turn has established a elaim to the gratitude of the members, \\dth Prof. Edward Frankland, the first President, the idea of a registering corporation for competent analytical and consulting chemists appears to have originated. His term of oftice (1877—1880) was devoted to the formulation of regulations for the admission of members and generally to the determination of the work and policy of the Institute. His personal influence attracted a large number ol the best chemists of that time to the new organisation. Prof. Frederick Augustus Abel took au active part in the early work of organisation and had the delicate duty, as President from 1880—1883, of guiding the Insti- tute through a period when its strength was not j^et assured
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