Routledge - Acid Rain and the Rise of the Environmental Chemist

Explore the life and scientific legacy of Robert Angus Smith through this detailed historical study. Published by Routledge, this book examines the work of the Scottish chemist who became a leading investigator into the phenomenon of acid rain during the nineteenth century. This biography places Smith's career within the broader context of nineteenth-century sanitary science. It traces his journey from his childhood in Glasgow and his initial training for the Church of Scotland to his advanced chemical studies in Germany under Justus von Liebig. By looking at his education, family, and personal beliefs, the text provides a clear picture of how his strong Calvinist faith and scientific training shaped his contributions to the field. Readers will gain insight into the evolving understanding of environmental science and chemistry during a period of significant industrial change. This work serves as an important resource for those interested in the history of science, technology, and the cultural shifts in nineteenth-century Britain.