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Lyon Playfair, Scottish chemist and politician, 1890-1894. Artist: W&D Downey
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Lyon Playfair, Scottish chemist and politician, 1890-1894. Artist: W&D Downey
Lyon Playfair, Scottish chemist and politician, 1890-1894. Playfair (1818-1898) studied chemistry at Glasgow under Thomas Graham, and under Liebig at Giessen. Professor of chemistry at Edinburgh University from 1858-1896, he discovered the nitroprusside class of salts. Playfair was appointed chemist to the Geological Survey in 1846 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society 1848. He was engaged in the organisation of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Liberal MP for the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh from 1868-1885, Playfair served as Secretary of State for Science and Art in 1855 and was Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons from 1880-1883. He was knighted in 1883 and was created a Baron in 1892. From The Cabinet Portrait Gallery. London, 1890-1894
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Media ID 14862666
© Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Chemist Chemistry Downey Liberal Liberal Party Member Of Parliament Oxford Science Archive Playfair Professor Scientist Sir Lyon Sir Lyon Playfair The Right Hon Sir Lyon Playfair W D Downey
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This black and white portrait captures the essence of Sir Lyon Playfair, a prominent Scottish chemist and politician of the late 19th century. The photograph, taken by W&D Downey, showcases Playfair's distinguished appearance as he gazes confidently into the camera. Playfair's impressive career is highlighted in this image. Having studied chemistry under renowned scientists Thomas Graham and Liebig, he became a professor at Edinburgh University where he made significant contributions to the field. His discovery of the nitroprusside class of salts solidified his reputation as an accomplished chemist. Beyond his scientific achievements, Playfair also excelled in politics. He served as a Liberal Member of Parliament for both Glasgow and Edinburgh universities from 1868 to 1885. Additionally, he held important governmental positions such as Secretary of State for Science and Art in 1855 and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons from 1880 to 1883. Playfair's dedication to public service earned him numerous accolades throughout his lifetime. In recognition of his contributions, he was knighted in 1883 and later elevated to Baron status in 1892. This striking portrait offers a glimpse into the life of an influential figure who left an indelible mark on both science and politics during Victorian-era Britain.
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