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William Hyde Wollaston

(1766-1828), Physiologist, chemist and physicist

Regency Portraits Catalogue Entry

Sitter in 8 portraits
Wollaston is famous for having discovered two chemical elements, palladium and rhodium, and for developing a way to process platinum ore. He was educated at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge studying medicine but also chemistry, astronomy and botany. During his time there he became interested in metallurgy. After university he practiced medicine for a few years but then left this field to concentrate on his research interests. In 1800 he entered into a partnership with his university friend, chemist Smithson Tennant. They were attempting to make platinum malleable, so that its properties could be put to practical use. The venture was a success, bringing Wollaston scientific fame as well as a large fortune.

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Men of Science Living in 1807-8, by Sir John Gilbert, and  Frederick John Skill, and  William Walker, and  Elizabeth Walker (née Reynolds) - NPG 1075

Men of Science Living in 1807-8

by Sir John Gilbert, and Frederick John Skill, and William Walker, and Elizabeth Walker (née Reynolds)
pencil and wash, 1858-1862
NPG 1075

William Hyde Wollaston, by William Ward, after  John Jackson - NPG D36339

William Hyde Wollaston

by William Ward, after John Jackson
mezzotint, early 19th century
NPG D36339

William Hyde Wollaston, by Frederick Christian Lewis Sr, published by  Walter Benjamin Tiffin, after  Sir Thomas Lawrence - NPG D36338

William Hyde Wollaston

by Frederick Christian Lewis Sr, published by Walter Benjamin Tiffin, after Sir Thomas Lawrence
chalk manner engraving, published 21 June 1830
NPG D36338

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