Ira Remsen

Ira Remsen

American chemist and co-discoverer of saccharin

Ira Remsen

Born	February 10, 1846
Birth place	New York City, New York, United States
Died	March 4, 1927(1927-03-04) (aged 81)
Place of death	Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States
Nationality	American
Known for	Co-discovery of saccharin

Ira Remsen (February 10, 1846 – March 4, 1927) was an American chemist best known for his co-discovery of saccharin. He was a prominent figure in the field of chemistry and played a significant role in the establishment of Johns Hopkins University as a leading institution for scientific research and education.

Early Life and Education

Ira Remsen was born in New York City, New York, on February 10, 1846. He attended Columbia University, where he earned his M.D. in 1867. However, his interest in chemistry led him to pursue further studies in the field. He traveled to Germany and studied at the University of Göttingen, where he received his Ph.D. in 1870 under the mentorship of Rudolph Fittig.

Academic Career

After completing his studies in Germany, Remsen returned to the United States and began his academic career. In 1876, he was appointed as a professor of chemistry at the newly established Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Remsen played a crucial role in developing the university's chemistry department and establishing it as a center for advanced scientific research.

Discovery of Saccharin

In 1879, while conducting research with his student Constantin Fahlberg, Remsen co-discovered saccharin, an artificial sweetener. The discovery was made accidentally when Fahlberg noticed a sweet taste on his hands after a day in the laboratory. This led to further investigation and the identification of saccharin as a sweetening agent. The discovery of saccharin had a significant impact on the food industry and the development of artificial sweeteners.

Contributions to Chemistry

Remsen made numerous contributions to the field of chemistry through his research and publications. He authored several influential textbooks, including "Theoretical Chemistry" and "Introduction to the Study of Chemistry," which were widely used in chemistry education. His work helped to advance the understanding of chemical reactions and organic chemistry.

Legacy

Ira Remsen's contributions to chemistry and his role in the establishment of Johns Hopkins University as a leading research institution have left a lasting legacy. The Remsen Hall at Johns Hopkins University is named in his honor, and his work continues to be recognized and celebrated in the field of chemistry.

Personal Life

Remsen married Blanche Snowden in 1875, and they had two children. He passed away on March 4, 1927, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California.

See Also

• Saccharin
• Johns Hopkins University
• Chemistry
• Organic chemistry