History of NUI Galway, the Science Faculty and associated scientists.

William MacNevin (1763-1841) "the father of American Chemistry"

MacNevin was born near Aughrim, Co. Galway and studied medicine in Vienna where his uncle, Baron William MacNevin was physician to the empress Maria Theresa.  Returning to practice in Dublin, William joined the campaign for Catholic Emancipation and the United Irishmen and when their rebellion failed, he was arrested and exiled.  He then went on to become a Professor of Chemistry in New York and became known as "the father of American Chemistry".  MacNevin introduced European scientific ideas to North America and built a laboratory so that his students could conduct their own experiments, rather than just watch demonstrations.  He used modern textbooks and championed Dalton’s new atomic theory, analysed minerals and mineral waters and believed that chemistry could help improve farming and industry in the New World.  He founded the Duane Street medical school in 1826, worked as a hospital inspector during the cholera epidemic in 1832 and started a society to aid Irish immigrants.  A monument was erected in his honour on New York’s Lower Broadway. 

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