Collection OM/126 - Frederick Penny papers

Identity area

Reference code

GB 249 OM/126

Title

Frederick Penny papers

Date(s)

  • 1843-1982 (Creation)

Level of description

Collection

Extent and medium

0.1 metres

Context area

Name of creator

Biographical history

Frederick Penny was born in London and studied chemistry at the Royal Institution under Michael Faraday. He was appointed to the Chair of Chemistry at Anderson's University in 1839, after a recommendation from Thomas Graham, and held the post until his death in 1869. His students included those attending Anderson's Medical School. In addition to his teaching at the University, Penny built up a lucrative private practice as an analytical chemist, and was involved in testing the quality of the water from Loch Katrine as a potential source for a new, clean water supply for the City of Glasgow. He gave expert evidence in criminal trials, specialising in poisoning cases such as the trial of Dr Pritchard for the murder of his wife and mother in law. His last years were embittered by the University's proposal to found a Chair in Technical Chemistry endowed by James Young, which Penny and his friend and colleague Dr James Adams vehemently opposed.

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Lecture notes; published papers; obituaries; biographical information.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Open

Conditions governing reproduction

Language of material

    Script of material

      Language and script notes

      Physical characteristics and technical requirements

      Finding aids

      Item level list available in reading room.

      Allied materials area

      Existence and location of originals

      Existence and location of copies

      Related units of description

      Photographs of Frederick Penny [ref: GB 249 OP/4/9, 48]

      Notes area

      Alternative identifier(s)

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      Description identifier

      Institution identifier

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          Accession area