Charles Frederic Kuhlmann

Abstract

WE regret to record the death, at Lille, during the past week, of Charles F. Kuhlmann, the distinguished French chemist and economist. Born at Colmar, May 22, 1803, he pursued his scientific studies under Vauguelin at Strassburg, and later at Paris. In 1832 he was appointed Professor of Applied Chemistry at Lille. Soon after he devoted himself almost exclusively to the practical solution of the problems of manufacturing chemistry, and established at Lille extensive works, which rank today among the important chemical manufactories of the world. During the past forty years he has been a prominent figure in the industrial, scientific, and even political circles of France, attracting general admiration by a remarkable combination of inventive power and executive ability. The Government named him Commander of the Légion d'Honneur, and the French Academy of Sciences elected him a corresponding member, in recognition of his important services, while he was frequently called upon to occupy prominent posts of responsibility in public life and commercial undertakings. His failing health during the past year forced him to decline one of the leading honours in the scientific world of France, the presidency of the Société Françhise pour l'Avancement des Sciences.