George Barger

George Barger

Born	4 April 1878
Birth place	Manchester, England
Died	5 January 1939
Place of death	Aeschi, Switzerland
Nationality	British
Known for	Research on alkaloids, synthesis of thyroxine
Awards	Fellow of the Royal Society

George Barger (4 April 1878 – 5 January 1939) was a British chemist and pharmacologist known for his pioneering work in the field of alkaloids and the synthesis of thyroxine. His contributions to the understanding of biochemistry and pharmacology have had a lasting impact on the field of medicine.

Early Life and Education

George Barger was born in Manchester, England, in 1878. He attended the University of Manchester, where he developed an interest in chemistry. He later pursued further studies at the University of Leipzig, where he was influenced by the work of Emil Fischer, a prominent chemist known for his research on carbohydrates and proteins.

Academic Career

Barger's academic career began at the University of Edinburgh, where he was appointed as a lecturer in chemistry. His research focused on the chemistry of alkaloids, a class of naturally occurring compounds that have significant pharmacological effects. Barger's work in this area led to the discovery of several important alkaloids and their derivatives.

In 1913, Barger was appointed as a professor of chemistry at the University of Glasgow. During his tenure, he continued his research on alkaloids and expanded his studies to include the synthesis of thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. His work on thyroxine was groundbreaking and contributed to the understanding of endocrinology.

Research Contributions

Barger's research on alkaloids was instrumental in the development of new pharmaceuticals. He was particularly interested in the structure and function of these compounds and their potential therapeutic applications. His work laid the foundation for the development of several important drugs used in the treatment of various medical conditions.

One of Barger's most notable achievements was the synthesis of thyroxine. This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and is essential for normal growth and development. Barger's synthesis of thyroxine was a significant milestone in the field of biochemistry and had important implications for the treatment of thyroid disorders.

Awards and Honors

In recognition of his contributions to science, George Barger was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1919. He was also awarded several honorary degrees and was a member of various scientific societies.

Personal Life

Barger was known for his dedication to his work and his passion for teaching. He was a mentor to many students and colleagues, and his influence extended beyond the laboratory. Barger passed away in 1939 in Aeschi, Switzerland, leaving behind a legacy of scientific achievement.

Also see

• Alkaloid
• Thyroxine
• Endocrinology
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology