Kane, SIR ROBERT,

Kane, SIR ROBERT, chemist, was born in Dublin, 24th September 1809. He was educated for the medical profession, in 1832 was received as a member of the Royal Irish Academy, and in the same year projected the Dublin Journal of Medical Science, which, at first confined to chemistry and pharmacy, was afterwards extended to include practical medicine. In 1840 he received the gold medal of the Royal Society of London for his researches into the colouring matter of lichens, and in 1847 the Cunningham Gold Medal of the Royal Irish Academy for his discoveries in chemistry. From 1834 till 1847 Kane was professor of Natural Philosophy to the Royal Dublin Society. In 1846 he originated the Museum of Industry in Ireland, was appointed its first director, and the same year received from the Lord-lieutenant the honour of knighthood. He held for a number of years the office of president of the Queen's College, Cork, which he resigned in 1873, together with the directorship of the museum. In 1877 he was elected president of the Royal Irish Academy, and he died 16th February 1890. His chief books are Elements of Chemistry (1842) and Industrial Resources of Ireland (1844).