Cotton - My Life in the Golden Age of Chemistry

1. Figures in Chapter 3
2. Figures in Chapter 4
3. Figures in Chapter 5
4. Figures in Chapter 6
5. Figures in Chapter 7
6. Figures in Chapter 8
7. Figures in Chapter 9

F.A. Cotton

Deceased

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Whoever has had the great fortune

To gain a true friend,

Whoever has won a devoted wife,

To the rejoicing let him add his voice.

Friedrich Schiller

For Dee

F. Albert Cotton M.F.H.
Robert Douglas Hunter
1971

Immediately after the War, the approach to the study of Inorganic Chemistry underwent a revolution. This in part arose from the wide range of instrumentation that became available. The advent of relatively rapid methods for the determination of infrared, visible and ultraviolet, and Raman spectra coupled with the availability of new techniques such as n.m.r. and e.s.r. spectroscopy allowed for a wide range of applications to a variety of problems within Inorganic Chemistry. Many of these had not been possible or even conceived of before these developments.

This book not only provides an insight into the contributions of one of the major players in these developments but also encapsulates the atmosphere of the period when Government funding of science was generous and good research was assured of sponsorship. This situation has sadly declined worldwide and reflects the very much bigger scientific community that now exists and the increase in the financial requirements of modern-day research.

The author is well placed to discuss this position as he entered the field at the beginning of this period of rapid change. His own initial contribution was in the then novel field of Organometallic Chemistry, with work on the spectacular new range of aromatic inorganic compounds as typified by ferrocene. His subsequent work over the next 50 years provided leadership in many of the most significant developing areas of Inorganic Chemistry, and he has left a heritage that will last for many years.

He certainly excelled in his command of both the theory and practice of his subject, and his papers and written contributions reflected both his joy and efficiency in writing. Over a period of approximately 5060 years, he published over 1600 papers and a variety of books that covered teaching at all levelsschool, undergraduate, post-graduate, and research monographs. These are all excellent texts and as with, for instance, in books such as Advanced Inorganic Chemistry and his textbook on group theory, he provided a new approach and insight to the subjects under discussion. These books have become classics in their time. His contribution to the chemical literature was outstanding in both quality and quantity, and places him in a unique position within the chemical community.

This book not only relates to his contribution within research and teaching but also unfolds the wide appreciation and influence that he made to so many aspects of life in general. He enjoyed travel and visited many parts of the world, often to relate his chemistry but also to establish a wide range of contacts and friendships. This in part reflects the vast range of countries from which his research collaborators came. As is evident from the text, Al was a strong supporter of his students and built up a close relationship and concern for their future that often extended for life. He was very direct in his relationships, and this is evident in his coverage and his reflections on some of the people that are included in the book. I certainly enjoyed a friendship that stretched over more than 50 years. I find this book a constant reminder of so many aspects of Al and his attitudes across a large spectrum of interests. It will provide the public with an insight into how an outstanding scientist lived, worked, and thought.

It is something of a tragedy that shortly after finishing this book he should meet such an untimely death. He is missed by many but mostly by his family who were always paramount in his thinking and behavior. This book reflects the thoughts, attitudes, and reflections of a remarkable man who made major contributions to his chosen area of science and has certainly changed the way we view and study the subject.