Harry Melville Named Doctor "Honoris Causa"

1989/11/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Kimika

In the atrium of the Faculty of Chemistry of San Sebastian in November, when the TV cameras were looking at a mature and hairy man, something special sounded among the students and teachers of the area.

We expected to see an old man who had spent eighty years, but there he was our first man in health everywhere.

The appointment was held in the auditorium of the Faculty of Law. Sitting at the presidential table the directors of the UPV, Harry Melville entered with his godfather Gonzalo Martín Guzmán. For Gipuzkoan chemists, Mr. Gonzalo Martín Guzman is known for being the founder of the Faculty of Chemical Sciences of San Sebastian (Elhuyar). In the next issue of Science and Technology you can enjoy the interview with Mr. Guzman). Taking advantage of Guzmake's words to present Melville, we were able to make a brief biography of this man.

The life of this prestigious Scottish has been research-oriented.

He must be largely attributed to the industrialization of scientific chemistry, that is, the practice of scientific theories. Specifically, research in the field of polymers has given it its current prestige.

This man, with numerous medals and titles, was an advisor to the British government on chemical issues during the Second World War. In 1958 he was appointed SIR by Elisabeth II. He was also president of the international regulatory organization IUPAC for 10 years.

In his speech of appointment he spoke of the autonomy and independence that the university needs in order to give results. His words and gestures expressed the humility of great scientists.

Welcome to Euskal Herria, sir Harry.