Charles Adolphe Wurtz French chemist Date of Birth: 26.11.1817 Country: France

1. Early Life and Education
2. Scientific Career
3. Laboratory and Teaching
4. Head of Organic Chemistry
5. Later Career and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Charles Adolphe Wurtz was born in Wolfisheim, France, on November 26, 1817. His father was a Lutheran pastor, while his mother instilled in him a cheerful and compassionate nature. In 1834, Wurtz enrolled in the Protestant gymnasium in Strasbourg, where he initially studied theology. However, his passion for chemistry led him to switch to studying medicine.

Scientific Career

Wurtz's scientific career began in 1839 when he was appointed assistant in chemistry at the University of Strasbourg. After obtaining his doctorate in 1843, he moved to Paris and joined the private laboratory of Jean-Baptiste Dumas, who became his mentor. In 1845, Wurtz became an assistant at the Faculty of Medicine and four years later commenced lecturing in organic chemistry.

Laboratory and Teaching

Wurtz's laboratory at the Faculty of Medicine was poorly equipped, prompting him to establish his private laboratory in 1850. He faced difficulties when the house hosting his laboratory was sold. Despite this setback, he continued teaching and research. In 1850, he was appointed professor of chemistry at the Institute of Agronomy in Versailles.

Head of Organic Chemistry

In 1853, Wurtz became head of the chair of organic chemistry at the Faculty of Medicine. He combined this role with the chair of inorganic chemistry and toxicology following the retirement of Mathieu Orfila. Despite facing criticism for having students pay for his laboratory, Wurtz established a highly respected laboratory that attracted numerous international students.

Later Career and Legacy

Wurtz served as dean of the Faculty of Medicine from 1866 to 1875. During his tenure, he advocated for the modernization and reconstruction of teaching facilities. He also supported women's access to higher education and research, and served as director of studies in the 2nd department of the Practical School of Higher Studies.

Wurtz was appointed Honorary Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in 1875 and became the first chair of organic chemistry at the Sorbonne. Despite his efforts, he faced difficulties in obtaining a suitable laboratory, which remained unresolved until his death in 1884.

Throughout his career, Wurtz received numerous honors and accolades. He was a founding member of the Chemical Society of Paris and served as its president three times. In 1881, he became president of the Academy of Sciences, and in 1881, he was elected senator for life. Wurtz's legacy as a chemist and educator continues to inspire generations of scientists.