George Christian Hoffmann (1837-1917) was a chemist who followed the Crimson Thread of Empire. Born in England but of German extraction, he graduated from the Royal College of Chemistry in the 1850s with special training in analytical chemistry. Thereafter he plied his trade in British colonies - Natal (southern Africa) and Melbourne (Victoria) - before finding a home in the Geological Survey of newly-confederated Canada, where he served for over 40 years. Such a career path was not uncommon for British chemists in the 19th century - educated in the old country, jobs in the new countries. In the 20th century Australian chemists went to old countries for graduate or postgraduate work, but most returned home to make their careers. There were exceptions, of course, like the chemist we honour at this symposium, David Lewis.

Christian Hoffmann: Wandering chemist

256th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.