Henry Enfield Roscoe

Abstract

Henry Enfield Roscoe (1833–1915), together with Robert Bunsen, his mentor, carried on fundamental research in photochemistry, determining its laws and quantitative effects. His most important studies were on the chemistry of vanadium, uranium, tungsten, and molybdenum, their oxides and oxychlorides, carrying on, for the first time, their synthesis and separation. He also did important studies on public heath. His academic activities transformed Owens College (Victoria University) into the leading chemistry school in Britain.