| Notes |
- University of Reading:
Retirement of Prof. H. Bassett
Nature International
Weekly Journal of Science
March 30, 1946
The retirement of Prof. Henry Bassett from the chair of chemistry at the University of Reading will shortly remove from that University one of its most interesting figures. Student and collaborator of Bamsay, Baeyer and Donnan, he went in 1912, after work in London, Munich, Nancy and Liverpool, to take up his chair at a time when the young College was first aspiring to full university status. Under his guidance his department played its full part in the attainment of that dignity in 1926, and as dean during 1924-30 he must be credited in a special degree with the smooth and successful assumption by the Faculty of Science of the responsibilities of independence. In those formative years, Reading, with its growing fame in agriculture, was fortunate in having such a man as Bassett for its professor of chemistry. An analyst and inorganic chemist of repute, his wide knowledge of science covers not only the usual domain of chemistry but also extends far into the realms of geology and hydrography, botany and zoology. Besides his well-known phase-rule studies, his researches, which he still continues with unabated vigour, have led to papers on the potassium salts of phenolphthalein, the colour changes of cobalt chloride solutions, the conditions of formation of dithionates, the role of calcium phosphate in bone structure, and many others. A special feature of his work which reflects his knowledge of geology is his use of optical, morphological and X-ray crystallography in identifying research products. Vigorous still in body and spirit, he must be one of the youngest men to retire under a professorial age-limit, and his many students, colleagues and friends all over the world hope he may yet have many years to devote to the chemistry he loves and the cycling and camping he enjoys.
1901 British Census of Barsbury, Islington, London, England
Henry Bassett - 62 - M - Head - St. Pancras, London - Analytical Chemist
Mary K. - 55 - F - Wife - Ipswich, Suffolk
Henry - 19 - M - Son - Islington, London
Kate R. - 18 - F - Daughter - Islington, London
Mary J. - 17 - F - Daughter - Islington, London
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Bassett Family Association Database
Abt 1882 - 