Alexander Findlay

Born in 1874, Alexander Findlay was a Scottish chemist and science writer remembered for explaining chemistry in an accessible, practical way. He wrote several books, including Chemistry in the Service of Man and A Hundred Years of Chemistry, and his work helped connect laboratory science with ordinary life.

Alongside his writing, he was active in academic chemistry and built a reputation as a skilled teacher and interpreter of the subject. His books were valued not just for technical knowledge, but for the way they showed chemistry as a living part of industry, health, and modern society.

Findlay died in 1966. He is still of interest today as one of the early twentieth-century writers who made chemistry feel understandable and relevant to non-specialist readers.