Perhaps you have heard of Graham’s Law. It is a fundamental principle in chemistry. We are standing before the Thomas Graham Plaque. It commemorates a brilliant Scottish chemist.
Thomas Graham was born in Glasgow in 1805. He made groundbreaking contributions to science. He is best known for Graham’s Law of Diffusion.
Graham’s Law states that the rate of diffusion of a gas is inversely proportional to the square root of its molecular weight. This law has significant applications. It is used in separating isotopes. It also helps in understanding gas behavior.
Graham’s early education was at the University of Glasgow. Despite his father’s wish for him to join the church, he pursued chemistry. He later became a professor at Anderson’s Institution. This is now the University of Strathclyde.
During his time at Anderson’s Institution, Graham published 29 research papers. These papers established his international reputation. His work on gas diffusion was revolutionary.
In 1837, Graham moved to London. He became a professor of chemistry at University College. He continued to make significant contributions to the field.
One lesser-known fact is that Graham invented the forerunner of today’s dialysis machine. In 1861, he created a “dialyzer.” It separated colloids and crystalloids. This method is still used in modern dialysis. It separates urea from blood.
Graham founded the Chemical Society of London in 1841. He became its first president. By the mid-1840s, he was recognized as the leading British chemist.
In 1854, Graham was appointed Master of the Mint. He followed in the footsteps of Isaac Newton. He remained in this post until his death in 1869.
Thomas Graham’s work extended beyond gas diffusion. He also studied colloids. These are mixtures where one substance is evenly dispersed throughout another. His work in this area led to the invention of the dialyzer.
Graham’s contributions to chemistry were wide-ranging. He made discoveries in areas such as phosphoric acids. He also worked on the detection of coffee adulteration. He studied alcohol production during bread-making.
Thomas Graham’s pioneering work is also commemorated by a statue in George Square. The Thomas Graham Building at the University of Strathclyde houses the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry.
He was greatly admired by his peers. One obituary described him as a man whose name would be honored as long as true greatness is appreciated. Thomas Graham’s legacy lives on through his scientific contributions. He is also remembered by this plaque. It serves as a reminder of his remarkable achievements.