Gowland, Fredrick Hopkins was a well-known English biochemist who discovered the vitamins. His fascination with science was sparked by his father, who was also fascinated by the subject. He was raised by his mother when his father died young, and he was more interested in literature than science. The young youngster was enthralled by a microscope that his mother had given him. Fredrick spent a lot of time researching literature in addition to investigating seashore items. He was always a bright student, and at the age of seventeen, he published his first scientific paper on the bombardier insect. Hopkins took the Institute of Chemistry Associateship Examination after finishing his graduate studies. His outstanding achievement earned him a position as a research assistant for Thomas Stevenson. Fredrick subsequently went on to study medicine, where he once again proved his worth by receiving a Gold Medal in Chemistry. He began his academic career teaching toxicology after successfully finishing his medical studies. He began his most important work on proteins, which led to the discovery of vitamins, in due time. The findings paved the path for further research in the field by scientists such as Otto Meyerhof, who was later awarded the Nobel Prize for his work. Continue reading to learn more about his life and work.
Childhood and Adolescence
Frederick Gowland Hopkins was born on June 20, 1861, in Eastbourne, Sussex, England, to Frederick Hopkins and Elizabeth Gowland Hopkins. Hopkins’ father was a book salesman who also had a strong interest in science.
Fredrick’s father died when he was still a toddler, and his mother was responsible for his early education in Eastbourne. The family relocated to Enfield, London, in 1871, and the little lad enrolled at the ‘City of London School.’
Hopkins was a talented student who excelled in academics at the ‘City of London School,’ and in 1874 he graduated with a first-class in his favorite subject, chemistry, at the young age of 17.
After graduating from high school, he worked as a clerk at an insurance agency before becoming an associate at the
‘Institute of Chemistry,’ where his poison research was well valued. Meanwhile, he enrolled in the ‘University of London External Programme and graduated with a B.Sc. in 1888.
Frederick obtained the ‘Sir William Gull Studentship’ in 1889 and enrolled at Guy’s Hospital to study medicine. He received his bachelor’s degree five years later.
Frederick Gowland’s Career
He was appointed as a teacher at ‘Guy’s Hospital’ in 1894, where he taught toxicology, and he also co-authored an important article on blood albumins with S. N. Pinkus around this time.
Sir Henry Foster invited Frederick to work at the famed ‘Cambridge University in the year 1898 to work on research at the university’s ‘Physiological Laboratory.’ In terms of physiology, he was specially instructed to work on the chemical side of things.
Hopkins was appointed to the reader in biochemistry in 1902, and because biochemistry was not a traditional subject of study, he had to conduct his experiments in a small room at the university.
Hopkins was made a ‘Fellow of Trinity College’ in 1910, and then an ‘Honorary Fellow of Emmanuel College’ four years later. He didn’t acquire his own laboratory at the ‘Sir William Dunn Institute of Biochemistry until 15 years after becoming a Fellow.
Hopkins found what he called “accessory food factors” or Vitamins during the First World War and continued to work on them. In fact, it was his contributions that resulted in a better and more nutritious margarine that could be used in times of food scarcity.
In the year 1943, he left his position at the ‘University of Cambridge.’
His Major Projects
Aside from developing vitamins, one of Hopkins’ most notable studies was identifying a chemical mechanism for isolating tryptophan. He was successful in isolating it and examining its structure, which opened up new biochemical possibilities.
Achievements & Awards
He was inducted into the ‘Royal Society of London,’ the most prominent and distinguished scientific organization in the United Kingdom, in 1905.
In 1918, he received the renowned ‘Royal Medal,’ and eight years later, he received the prestigious ‘Copley Medal.’
In 1925, King George V knighted him for his contributions to science.
Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins and Christiaan Eijkman were jointly awarded the Noble Prize in 1929.
Personal History and Legacy
In the year 1898, Hopkins married Jessie Anne Stevens. Daughters were born to the couple.
Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins died on May 16, 1947, in Cambridge. The ‘Parish of the Ascension Burial Ground’ was where he was laid to rest.
Estimated Net worth
Frederick Gowland Hopkins’ net worth is estimated to be $ USD 6 million, with his primary sources of income being university teacher, university teacher, biochemist, physician, and chemist. We don’t have adequate evidence on Frederick Gowland Hopkins’s autos or his way of living.